Requires that when a complaint is made to local code enforcement of a violation of the uniform fire prevention and building code which results in the issuance of a compliance order, the complainant shall also be provided a copy of such order.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A4963
SPONSOR: Lunsford TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring that when a
complaint is made to local code enforcement of a violation of the
uniform fire prevention and building code which results in the issuance
of a compliance order, the complainant shall also be provided a copy of
such order
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Requires that in the event a complaint made to local code enforcement
results in the issuance of a compliance order, the complainant shall
also be provided a copy of such order
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Sections 1 adds a new paragraph to section 381(1) of the Executive Law.
Section 2 adds a new subdivision 1 to section 382 of the Executive Law.
These sections mandate that the complainant who reports an alleged code
violation to receive a copy by mail of any order issued when such
alleged violation was found and directed to be remedied.
Section 3 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill will help tenants hold absentee or negligent landlords
accountable by increasing transparency in the code enforcement system.
Many tenants feel like making a complaint to code enforcement does noth-
ing. They do not receive any follow-up about their complaint - they do
not know whether a violation was found, what remedy was ordered, or the
deadline by which the landlord must fix a violation. Right now,
violation orders must only be provided to the landlord. Ensuring that
complainants also receive violation orders will add transparency to and
increase faith in this system; it will also increase accountability .on
landlords as the residents of the homes in violation can notify their
municipality if the landlord fails to comply with the violation order.
Last year, the Legislature implemented higher fines for landlords with
chronic code violations, and this bill would continue to make it easier
to hold bad actor landlords accountable and ensure safe housing for New
York's tenants.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
