New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09772

Introduced
4/6/26  

Caption

Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code, applicable housing standards, the building code, or the health code; relates to the number of housing judges assigned to certain actions.

Impact

One of the critical changes introduced by S09772 includes the stipulation that at least two housing judges must be assigned in each county (excluding Richmond County) to oversee these specific actions initiated by tenants or the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. This adjustment is designed to enhance the focus on housing issues within the legal system and ensure that cases related to tenant rights are handled more efficiently. The amendment will likely increase access to justice for tenants, as cases of this nature will have dedicated judges who specialize in housing law.

Summary

Bill S09772 proposes significant amendments to the New York City Civil Court Act, specifically targeting actions and proceedings that seek rent abatements based on violations of housing regulations such as the housing maintenance code, building code, and health code. The amendment aims to streamline the process for tenants who identify violations related to their housing conditions, allowing for abatement to be granted from the onset of notified violations until rectification occurs. This aims to ensure that tenants have a clear path to address issues affecting their living conditions without unnecessary delays.

Contention

While the bill appears to aim at strengthening tenant protections, it may also spark debate among landlords and property managers who could view the increased authority given to housing judges as a challenge to their rights. Some may argue that the provisions for immediate rent abatement could be exploited by tenants, leading to higher costs for landlords. Additionally, the bill does not specify how judgements will be balanced with a landlord's right to resolve lawful disputes, indicating a potential area of contention that could arise during discussions or legislative reviews.

Companion Bills

NY A08291

Same As Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code, applicable housing standards, the building code, or the health code; relates to the number of housing judges assigned to certain actions.

Previously Filed As

NY S07633

Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code, applicable housing standards, the building code, or the health code; relates to the number of housing judges assigned to certain actions.

NY A08291

Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code, applicable housing standards, the building code, or the health code; relates to the number of housing judges assigned to certain actions.

NY A08404

Requires that any penalties for violations of housing standards or building and fire codes be assessed and imposed within fourteen days; increases certain fine amounts for violations of housing standards.

NY S09270

Establishes a subpart devoted to actions and proceedings involving buildings of thirty-five or less units within the housing part.

NY S2269

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by an alleged housing code violation, along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

NY H7658

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

NY H5267

Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.

NY S09956

Expands the right to seek the appointment of administrators of buildings to tenants and local governments throughout the state and to make procedures conform with realities of housing stock throughout the state; repeals certain provisions of the real property actions and proceedings law relating thereto.

NY S05622

Expands the right to seek the appointment of administrators of buildings to tenants and local governments throughout the state and to make procedures conform with realities of housing stock throughout the state; repeals certain provisions of the real property actions and proceedings law relating thereto.

NY A10727

Enacts the "housing transparency act"; requires the division of housing and community renewal to establish and maintain a statewide rental unit compliance registry for covered buildings within the state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.