BILL NUMBER: S6600B
SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the multiple dwelling law, in relation to requiring the
inspection of certain non-fireproof buildings and compliance with the
New York city housing maintenance code and the New York city
construction codes
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that tenants live in safe
and habitable conditions and that.repairs to the properties they live in
are completed in a timely fashion.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new Section 140-A to the Multiple Dwelling Law that
requires all non-fireproof buildings in a city having a population of
one million or more to be inspected every 3 years and to be compliant
with the fire safety standards set forth in the New York City Housing
Maintenance Code and the New York City Construction Codes. Property
owners are required to conduct inspections and submit fire safety
inspection reports every 3 years to the New York City Department of
Buildings or appropriate local agency. A daily $100 fine will be levied
against property owners that fail to submit a report by September 1st of
the 3rd year in the 3-year period. Buildings that are non-compliant will
have 6 months from the inspection to make the necessary repairs to
become compliant. A lien shall be placed on buildings that are non-com-
pliant for 6 months until all repairs or improvements are complete and
rents are adjusted based on rent abatements. The New York City Depart-
ment of Buildings shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to
enforce these requirements.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
On January 6, 2021, a terrible fire occurred in Inwood resulting in the
displacement of 23 families. Even worse, that same building, in the same
apartment, caught fire again 11 months later. Landlords have affirmative
obligations to ensure that their properties are compliant with applica-
ble laws, rules, and regulations, and that any repairs needed are done
in a timely manner. Tenants should have the peace of mind that their
homes are safe to live in and should not have to worry that a fire might
upend their lives. New York City is full of residential properties that
are filled with fire code violations. It is imperative that landlords of
these properties take the necessary steps to ensure that their proper-
ties are compliant with fire safety rules and regulations. This legis-
lation will ensure that landlords are compliant with the New York City
Housing Maintenance Code and the New York City Construction codes other-
wise they will receive a monetary penalty for failing to do so.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.333 - Passed Senate/A.5415 - Referred to Housing
2021-2022: S.6089-A - Passed the Senate/A.10706 - Referred to Housing
 
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.