NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9329 Revised 4/12/24
SPONSOR: Jackson TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the real property law, in relation to requiring land-
lords and lessors provide notice to tenants about bed bug infestation
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to require landlords and lessors to provide
notice to tenants about bed bug infestation.
SUMMARY OF PROVISION:
Section 1: Amends the real property law through the addition of section
2 235-j to establish a landlord and lessor's duty to notify tenants and
lessees of bed bug infestations within 24 hours of discovery.
Section 2: This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it
shall have become a law.
JUSTIFICATION:
Bed bugs are widely recognized as a significant nuisance, posing numer-
ous health risks to both children and the elderly. Their bites can lead
to allergic reactions, skin irritation, and secondary infections, caus-
ing physical discomfort and stress. Furthermore, bed bug infestations
can trigger mental health issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and social
isolation. If left unaddressed, these infestations can quickly spread
throughout a property.. Tenants deserve to reside in environments free
from the threat of bed bug infestations, which can severely diminish
their quality of life. Given that bed bugs can be introduced to a prop-
erty through various means beyond tenants' control, it's evident that
these pests are not easily prevented or eradicated independently. There-
fore, it's imperative to promptly and effectively address bed bug infes-
tations to safeguard individuals' well-being. This bill aims to ensure
tenants' rights to live in safe and healthy environments are upheld.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
TBD.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become law.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
9329
IN ASSEMBLY
February 29, 2024
___________
Introduced by M. of A. JACKSON -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Housing
AN ACT to amend the real property law, in relation to requiring land-
lords and lessors provide notice to tenants about bed bug infestation
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The real property law is amended by adding a new section
2 235-j to read as follows:
3 § 235-j. Duty to inform of bed bug infestation. Upon having knowledge
4 of a bed bug infestation, the landlord or lessor of a residential prem-
5 ises shall provide all tenants and lessees on such premises written
6 notice of such infestation. Such written notice shall be provided to the
7 tenants and lessees within twenty-four hours of the landlord or lessor
8 having knowledge of the bed bug infestation.
9 § 2. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall
10 have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13970-01-4
