This bill (S 947) prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants fees for using electronic rent payment methods like online portals or automated clearing house (ACH) systems. It requires landlords to offer at least one fee-free payment option (such as cash or check) and bans them from requiring electronic payment as the sole method. Landlords also cannot charge fees for tenants who choose not to use electronic systems. The law applies directly to tenants and landlords in New York residential leases and takes effect immediately.
Requires landlords of certain housing accommodations to include with all new and renewal leases, on any rent bills, including any electronic communication the informational material describing eligibility for and the benefits of the senior rent increase exemption program and the disability rent increase exemption program.
Authorizes the dormitory authority to provide financing to D'Youville Housing Association LLC for the construction of facilities on the campus of D'Youville University.
Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance to make publicly available on its website information regarding waivers, rental supplement plans and shelter supplement plans.
Requires manufactured home park owners to provide a written justification for rent increases in excess of three percent of the current rent; provides that increases in costs to justify such rent increase for ordinary maintenance or repair to meet the warranty of habitability obligations must be shown to be necessary.
This bill requires sellers to provide lead-based paint test reports to buyers before selling residential properties built before 1978. It directly affects home sellers, buyers, and real estate agents in New York for properties constructed prior to 1978, which are most likely to contain lead paint. The key mechanism mandates a one-time inspection and disclosure of test results before title transfer, with reports added to a state registry for future buyers. This complements existing laws by standardizing disclosure across all residential sales, not just rentals, ensuring buyers receive clear information about potential lead hazards. The law does not replace buyer due diligence or existing seller responsibilities.
Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities or alter the unit for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider; requires a tenant restore appliances or fixtures to the condition they were prior to being installed or allowing such appliances or fixtures remain in the rental unit at no cost to the landlord; defines "appliances or fixtures".
Requires the modification of restrictive covenants prior to the sale of real property when covenants, conditions and restrictions exist which discriminate on the basis of a protected class in violation of state or federal law.
Prohibits unfair residential real estate service agreements which are certain service agreements which are not to be performed within two years following the time such agreement is entered into.
Codifies the disparate impact standard in the human rights law; provides that in cases of alleged housing discrimination, an unlawful discriminatory practice may be established by a practice's discriminatory effect.
