Bill > S05445

This bill creates a new legal provision allowing residential or commercial tenants in cities with populations over one million (effectively New York City) to sue their property owners for improper maintenance of sidewalk sheds. Specifically, tenants can take legal action against property owners who: maintain a sidewalk shed without an active permit, keep a sidewalk shed in place for over 30 consecutive days without active repair work, maintain a sidewalk shed that is dangerous to life or property, or maintain a sidewalk shed that violates city administrative codes. Tenants can seek injunctive relief and damages, and do not need to prove actual damages to obtain an injunctive order. Before filing a lawsuit, tenants must provide written notice to the property owner and wait 30 days, unless the owner demonstrates bad faith in addressing the violation. Lawsuits must be filed within six months of the tenant becoming aware of the violation. The bill defines "covered repairs" as specific types of exterior building repairs that require sidewalk sheds, and "sidewalk shed" is referenced from existing New York City administrative code. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law, providing a clear mechanism for tenants to address potentially hazardous or unnecessarily prolonged sidewalk shed installations.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5445