Assembly approves bill requiring tenants be notified when building-code violations are found

The New York State Assembly passed A.3126‑b (calendar 104), a bill that requires local code enforcement authorities to provide notice to individual tenants who filed complaints when a building-code violation is confirmed.

Assemblymember Lunsford, the bill’s sponsor, told colleagues the measure ‘‘is a common sense accountability measure’’ that will allow tenants to know whether a complaint produced a validated violation and to use that information to press for enforcement or pursue remedies. Lunsford said the notice would be sent by certified or registered mail (or in-person where a local mechanism exists) and that the party issuing the notice would bear the cost of postage.

The bill’s sponsor described its narrow scope: the requirement applies to complaints filed by individuals, not to businesses or whole-building complaints. When asked whether anonymous complainants would be notified, Lunsford replied that the bill does not require notification in cases where the complainant remains anonymous.

Opponents raised administrative concerns. Assemblymember Molotar asked whether the mandate — including certified or registered mail as the enumerated delivery methods — could overwhelm code enforcement officers who cover multiple municipalities; Lunsford said the provision merely sends a copy of the order to the complainant and should not be unduly burdensome. Other critics described the proposal as adding a layer of state regulation where local portals or electronic posting might suffice.

The bill specifies that the Department of State would promulgate regulations to implement the notification mechanism. The measure states the section will take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after enactment. The clerk recorded the vote: Ayes 95, Nays 45. The bill was passed.

The Assembly returned to other calendar items and later adjourned, reconvening plans set for 10 a.m. on March 31.