BILL NUMBER: S1233
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the real property law, in relation to requiring land-
lords to ensure rental properties are equipped with utility services
prior to renting such properties
 
PURPOSE:
To keep utility services connected in between tenants, and to hold land-
lords accountable for not providing property utilities prior to renting.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the real property law by adding a new subdivision,
which states how a landlord shall not rent or release property to
tenants unless such property is in compliance with the New York state
uniform fire prevention and building code act. A landlord's failure to
comply shall result in penalties pursuant to sections 145.15 and 145.20
of the penal law. The real property law is also amended by adding a
section 235h, which states that a landlord must participate in any
voluntary program offered by the utility company that revert all utility
accounts to be under the landlord's name and keep utility services
connected in between tenants.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Landlords need to be held accountable for letting utilities lapse while
renting properties, especially during winter. In 2016, the owner of a
building where fire from a candle killed a 13year-old girl allowed the
apartment to be occupied without heat and electricity, according to
Syracuse code officials. Landlords have a responsibility to provide
livable conditions at the time a tenant moves in. For a tenant to occupy
an apartment without heat or electricity during the coldest months of
the year is unacceptable.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.1060 (May)
2021-22: S.9270 (May) / A.3643 (Hunter)
2019-20: A.4946 (Hunter)
2017-18: A6819 (Hunter)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately

Statutes affected:
S1233: 235-b real property law