New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09912

Introduced
4/14/26  

Caption

Establishes the tenant power act; authorizes the establishment of tenant unions and sets forth the powers and duties of such organizations; establishes the statewide tenant association; provides for the enforcement of such provisions; establishes the statewide tenant association fund; makes an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The Tenant Power Act aims to significantly influence landlord-tenant relations by mandating that landlords engage with tenant unions on key issues such as rent, housing conditions, and lease terms. It establishes penalties for landlords who fail to engage in good faith negotiations with tenant unions, thus promoting fair practices in tenant rights enforcement. This legislative effort is expected to foster greater accountability from landlords and empower tenant organizations to better advocate for their members, thereby striving towards equitable living conditions.

Summary

S09912, known as the Tenant Power Act, establishes a framework for the formation of tenant unions and outlines the powers and duties of both tenant unions and a newly formed statewide tenant association. The bill is designed to enhance the ability of tenants to organize collectively, thereby improving their negotiating power against landlords, and it emphasizes the promotion of healthy, safe, and affordable housing for residents across New York State. It sets forth provisions for the establishment, recognition, and activities of tenant unions, as well as the responsibilities of landlords to confer in good faith with these unions on various issues of common concern.

Contention

While the bill has received support from tenant advocacy groups and organizations that seek to improve housing conditions for tenants, it is also likely to face opposition from landlord associations and real estate interests who may see it as an encroachment on property rights and management flexibility. Opponents may argue that the establishment of statewide tenant associations and the required negotiations could lead to significant administrative burdens and detract from the rights of landlords to manage their properties as they see fit. As the bill moves through the legislative process, these contrasting perspectives will likely continue to be debated.

Companion Bills

NY A10991

Same As Establishes the tenant power act; authorizes the establishment of tenant unions and sets forth the powers and duties of such organizations; establishes the statewide tenant association; provides for the enforcement of such provisions; establishes the statewide tenant association fund; makes an appropriation therefor.

Previously Filed As

NY A10991

Establishes the tenant power act; authorizes the establishment of tenant unions and sets forth the powers and duties of such organizations; establishes the statewide tenant association; provides for the enforcement of such provisions; establishes the statewide tenant association fund; makes an appropriation therefor.

NY HB1293

Further providing for findings and declaration of policy, for definitions, for formation of housing authorities, for powers of an authority and for establishment of rentals and selection of tenants.

NY A10956

Establishes a tax credit for same-sex couples who purchased residential property in the state prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, were prohibited from recording the deed as tenants by the entirety, and who re-record the deed to reflect a change in status from tenants in common or joint tenants with right of survivorship to tenants by the entirety; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY SB218

Further providing for establishment of rentals and selection of tenants and for veteran preferences.

NY HB5225

Relating to the powers and duties of certain property owners' associations.

NY S10169

Establishes the "tenant opportunity to purchase act"; prevents the displacement of middle and lower-income tenants in New York; preserves affordable housing by providing an opportunity for tenants to own or remain renters in the properties in which they reside.

NY A11252

Establishes the commercial tenant opportunity to purchase act; provides commercial tenants the right of first refusal for the purchase of certain commercial rental properties.

NY HB248

Provides for the establishment and powers, functions, and duties of the Compensation Commission (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

NY HB85

Corporations and Associations - Cooperative Limited Equity Housing Corporations - Establishment

NY A08454

Requires a notice informing tenants of their rights to be provided to tenants at the time they execute a residential lease and to be posted in certain buildings.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.