Bill > S06028

This bill introduces a new section to the New York City Charter aimed at preventing willful neglect of real property by establishing a comprehensive process for addressing persistent property maintenance issues. The bill defines "willful neglect" as improper or lack of maintenance resulting in substantial property deterioration. It creates a mechanism where tenants can initiate action if they have filed three or more good faith complaints about health or safety violations within 120 days that remain unaddressed. If over 50% of tenants agree, the city can commence legal action to compel property owners to undertake repairs and prevent the destruction of essential service systems. If repairs are not completed within 90 days, the city can place a lien on the property for repair costs. The bill requires the department to assess necessary repairs, assign a community-based housing development corporation to manage repairs, and finance these through state housing finance agency tax revenue bonds. Property owners are responsible for reimbursing repair costs and may need to relocate tenants or compensate them during repairs. Additionally, the department must maintain a public "imminent danger" list of properties with multiple complaints and explicitly states that this law does not limit existing property maintenance regulations or tenants' rights.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6028