BILL NUMBER: S1557
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the real property law, in relation to enacting the
"tenants organizing act"
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Expands section 230 of the real property law to include definitions and
protected activities of tenants' organizations, a process for establish-
ing and being recognized, and a requirement for good faith engagement
between property owners and tenant organizations.
The B-print makes technical changes.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Under current law, tenants can to form organizations to advocate for
their rights as residents of rental properties. Across the state, these
organizations have proven effective in helping improve conditions inside
rentals and, just as importantly, help to foster a stronger sense of
community. While the law provides a basic structure to allow the forma-
tion of tenants associations, there is no formal defmition of what they
are, how they are registered, what rights they may or may not have, or
whether landlords must recognize or engage with such associations in
their properties. This bill will firmly establish what counts as a
tenants organization, the kinds of activities they can engage in, how
they can be established and recognized, and the kinds of good faith
engagement landlords and tenant organizations must engage in to improve
the quality of life in their communities.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024 - S.6348-B (May) / A.7057-A (Kelles)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.