BILL NUMBER:S6112A

TITLE OF BILL:  An act directing the division of housing and community
renewal to study non-rental fees charged by landlords

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This bill would require the Division of Housing and Community Renewal
(DHCR) to perform a study on non-rental fees imposed by landlords of
housing accommodations subject to rent regulation laws. This study
will assist the legislature in dealing with landlords who are using
these fees improperly for various reasons.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 requires DHCR to prepare and report a study on non-rental
fees imposed by landlords of housing accommodations subject to rent
control laws and report the study to the legislature by April 1, 2015.

Section 2 sets the effective date.

JUSTIFICATION:

Currently the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is
allowed to determine the amounts that landlords of housing
accommodations subject to rent control laws may charge tenants for
              

certain non-rental fees. While these surcharges are sometimes allowed
in accordance with the Operational Bulletin 2005-01 issued by DHCR,
many landlords do not follow the regulations set forth in the
Operational Bulletin for when the surcharges can be applied. Most of
the time, landlords add these surcharges without Meeting any of the
conditions set forth in Operational Bulletin 2005-01. A recent survey
of rent stabilized tenants indicates that 68% were charged a surcharge
for their air conditioner or washing machine in the last year. These
surcharges can add hundreds of dollars to a tenant's rent, making rent
controlled and rent stabilized apartments unaffordable for low-income
New Yorkers.

This study will offer an insight into how these non-rental fees axe
established, evaluated, and evolve over time.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a New Bill

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

This act shall take effect immediately.