S 5445 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to a private right of action concerning sidewalk sheds

This bill creates a new legal right for tenants in New York City (population over 1 million) to sue landlords directly if sidewalk sheds - temporary structures over sidewalks during construction - are unsafe, improperly maintained, or left in place without valid permits for more than 30 days. Tenants must first give landlords 30 days' written notice of the issue before filing a lawsuit, with exceptions if landlords refuse to fix problems in bad faith. If a tenant sues, they can seek a court order to stop the unsafe shed and potentially recover damages, attorney fees, and costs without needing to prove actual harm occurred. The law applies only to properties where sheds are used for exterior building repairs requiring sidewalk coverage under NYC building codes.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 21, 2025 Last action Jun 13, 2025
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Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jun 13, 2025
Committee
COMMITTED TO RULES
upper
Feb 21, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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