City Council Enacts New Law To Prevent Gas Leak Injuries

The City Council of New York City passed Local Law No. 153 in November 2016 and it was signed by the Mayor in December.  The law is finally in effect and it will effect landlords and NYC property management companies going forward.  Specifically the law says as follows:

"The owner of a dwelling shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each tenant and
prospective tenant of such dwelling, along with the lease or lease renewal form for such tenant or prospective tenant, and shall post and maintain in a common area of the building containing such dwelling, a notice, in a form developed or approved by the department, regarding the procedures that should be followed when a gas leak is suspected. Such notice may be combined with any existing required notices and shall instruct tenants to first call 911 and then call the relevant gas service provider, whose name and emergency phone number shall be set forth on such notice, before contacting such owner or an agent thereof when a gas leak is suspected."

 The law is a direct response to the deadly gas explosion that took place in the East Village in 2015.  The explosion located at 121 Second Avenue occurred as a result of an illegal tap into a gas main.  The buildings adjacent to the explosion was completely destroyed between Second Avenue and St. Mark's Place.  Two people died and nineteen people were injured as well.  Eventually, the District Attorney's Office for Manhattan announced the indictment and arrest of five people in connection with the explosion.  Parties involved were the building owner, her son, the licensed plumber who subcontracted to an unlicensed plumber, the unlicensed plumber and an additional contractor.  They were charged with several charges, the most agregious being manslaughter and negligent homicide.
In order to comply with the new law, managing agents should post a sign in the hallway of the building. A sample of the sign you can read here.

Blue Harbour Property Management is a full service NYC property management company servicing the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx.  Whether it be a 1 bedroom condo or multi-family building we are able to assist our clients maximize their investments.

http://www.blueharbourpropertymanagement.com/city-council-enacts-new-law-to-prevent-gas-leak-injuries/