Bills affecting Renter in New York — 2026 session

Prohibits the use of a facial recognition system by a landlord on any residential premises.

Reduces the period of notice required to be given when a written demand for rent is served on a tenant after the tenant has defaulted in the payment of rent and the period of notice to be given serving a warrant issued pursuant to a final judgment of eviction from fourteen days to seven days.

Prohibits the imposition of any surcharge for the installation or use of a tenant-installed appliance where the tenant pays for electric utility service, under rent control, and rent stabilization laws.

Prohibits the use of an algorithmic device by a landlord for the purpose of determining the amount of rent to charge a residential tenant; declares that such use is an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

Creates a private right of action by a tenant against a landlord in a city having a population of one million or more persons over sidewalk sheds.

Provides penalties when a landlord of a residential premises refuses to rent to a potential tenant on the basis that the potential tenant was involved in a past or pending landlord-tenant action or summary proceeding.

Relates to the determination of the status of an interim multiple dwelling unit as a protected occupant's primary residence by the loft board or a court of competent jurisdiction, or by registration with the loft board; provides factors for consideration for such findings; restores certain landlord-tenant relationships severed prior to the effective date.

Includes filing certain building permit applications containing false statements regarding tenant occupancy in the offense of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree.

Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities or alter the unit for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider; requires a tenant restore appliances or fixtures to the condition they were prior to being installed or allowing such appliances or fixtures remain in the rental unit at no cost to the landlord; defines "appliances or fixtures".

Requires landlords to return the full security deposit and any accrued interest to which the tenant is entitled less any amount retained by the landlord within 21 days of the end of the lease.

Establishes the "tenant opportunity to purchase act"; prevents the displacement of lower-income tenants in New York and preserves affordable housing by providing an opportunity for tenants to own or remain renters in the properties in which they reside.

Prohibits the adjustment of maximum allowable rent where any modification, increase or improvement is made to accommodate the needs of a disabled tenant; defines disabled tenant.

Limits security deposits to one month's rent; requires landlords to return the full security deposit and any accrued interest to which the tenant is entitled less any amount retained by the landlord within 21 days of the end of the lease.

Establishes the "tenant opportunity to purchase act"; prevents the displacement of middle and lower-income tenants in New York and preserves affordable housing by providing an opportunity for tenants to own or remain renters in the properties in which they reside.

Requires a landlord to return to a tenant the full security deposit within thirty days of the surrender of the premises by such tenant unless the landlord provides such tenant with a written statement listing the reasons for the retention of any portion of the deposit; sets forth particular situations for which the landlord may retain such security deposit; renders the landlord liable for treble damages for any violation.

Prohibits landlords from restricting the installation of appliances or fixtures by tenants; provides that the landlord is not compelled to change utilities for such installation; prohibits surcharge where tenant pays utilities directly to provider; requires a tenant restore appliances or fixtures to the condition they were prior to being installed or allowing such appliances or fixtures remain in the rental unit at no cost to the landlord; defines "appliances or fixtures".

Requires a mortgagor to provide notice of imminent foreclosure to their tenant or prospective tenant prior to renewing or signing a lease agreement.

Provides that every resident council shall maintain a website and shall post on such website such resident council's budgets and spending of tenant participation activity funds.

Requires a procedure for notification of a family member of a tenant or cooperator in the case that their application to succeed a lease or occupancy agreement is denied by a limited-profit housing company.

Establishes the tenant power act; authorizes the establishment of tenant unions and sets forth the powers and duties of such organizations; establishes the statewide tenant association; provides for the enforcement of such provisions; establishes the statewide tenant association fund; makes an appropriation therefor.