NYC Council Introduction 994

intro.nyc/0994-2024 2024-2025 Legislative Session
Requiring that tenant-occupied dwellings be provided with cooled and dehumidified air.
Status: Laid Over in Committee Committee on Housing and Buildings
Sponsored by Lincoln Restler
Introduced: July 18, 2024

This bill would require that from June 15 to September 15 building owners that are subject to minimum temperature requirements under local law maintain a maximum indoor temperature of 78°F when the outdoor air temperature is 82°F or higher. Owners without central cooling would have to install cooling systems within residential units. Leases must contain notice of the cooling requirements. All of the abovementioned requirements would be imposed four years after the bill’s effective date. Owners claiming undue hardship would be able to apply for additional time for compliance with the cooling requirements. Owners would have to carry out pre- and post-enforcement reporting to the city concerning compliance with the cooling requirements. The bill would impose separate civil penalties for violation of the cooling and notice requirements. Finally, the city would have to do outreach and education to tenants and owners on owner responsibilities under this bill.