On January 26, 2024, Governor Hochul signed Bill No. S8036, which goes into effect immediately. This bill amends NYS's general business law, prohibiting the installation of certain security devices used to control access to common areas of a residential buildings without proper authorization and notice. 

This bill requires:  

1. The written permission of the owners, board of managers, board of directors, or authorized party of residential buildings for the installation of certain security devices. 
2. If written permission is given, then occupants of a residential building must be given 30 days notice prior to the installation of keyless security devices.
3. The written notice must be either delivered to each individual unit or be posted in a conspicuous location in each common area accessible to residents for 30 days.

Further, the bill provides that under no circumstances may the installation of keyless security devices obstruct or adversely impact the manner in which residents of the residential building access it. 

To learn more about Bill No. S8036 click here. How do you see the balance being struck between security regulations and residents' rights? We want to know—comment below!

On January 26, 2024, Governor Hochul signed Bill No. A08494 to amend the multiple residence and dwelling law in New York State. Now, owners and agents of multiple residences and multiple dwellings need to provide emergency personnel a list of names and contact information of residents on lease execution, lease renewal, lease amendment, and now, on annual recertification if an owner is a public corporation regulated by the public housing law. 

The underlying law is important so first responders know that everyone is safe that should be in the housing in events like fires. However, the most vulnerable residents in these situations are often the ones without voices for themselves who are relegated to living in public housing. This new amendment is specific to them and applies the law of providing occupant lists to first responders for residents in housing owned by a public corporation under the public housing law. 

The amendment to the multiple residence and dwelling laws goes into effect on February 15, 2024. To learn more and read bill A08494, click here. How do you envision this impacting community safety? Let us know your thoughts below.