Bill > A07911

This bill creates the Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Rights Act, which aims to protect homeowners' ability to install and use central air conditioners and heat pumps by restricting homeowners' associations from implementing overly restrictive rules. The bill defines key terms like "central air conditioner" (a whole-home cooling system using ducts and vents) and "heat pump" (an electrical device that can both heat and cool by transferring heat). Specifically, homeowners' associations cannot adopt rules that effectively prohibit or unreasonably limit the installation or use of these cooling systems, with unreasonable limitations including restrictions that reduce the system's efficiency or increase installation costs by more than 10%. The bill requires that any approval process for installing these systems must be transparent, with written decisions provided within 60 days, and associations must provide detailed explanations for any denials. Additionally, the bill ensures that installed systems must meet local, state, and federal health and safety standards, and it provides that homeowners who successfully challenge unfair restrictions can be awarded reasonable attorney's fees. The law will take effect 60 days after becoming official, giving homeowners more protection against restrictive HOA regulations regarding home cooling systems.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7911