NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7495
SPONSOR: Camara TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the multiple dwelling law, in relation
to the definition of a "class A multiple dwelling"
PURPOSE:
To provide an exemption for primary and secondary residences that rent
certain class A multiple dwelling units on a short-term basis. The law
passed in 2010 (Ch. 225) was created in response to .a growing issue in
New York City with single room occupancy (SRO) buildings being used as
illegal hotels. This bill does not serve these types of illegal hotels,
but rather helps those individuals that rent out their own units to help
make ends meet and earn extra income.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends subdivision 8 of section 4 of the multiple
dwelling law, adding an additional exemption to incidental and occa-
sional occupancy of dwelling units, provided that this occupancy is in
either the primary or secondary residence of the permanent occupant.
JUSTIFICATION:
The 2010 law was written to address a problem of entire buildings being
turned into illegal hotels, but was not intended to target individuals
who rented out their apartments occasionally. As a result, it has denied
citizens of New York City the opportunity to rent out their extra space
when they are out of town to help make ends meet. Individuals who rent
out their apartments occasionally are able to use this money to help pay
their rent, mortgage, medical bills, and other expenses. In addition,
visitors who use this method of lodging bring additional economic activ-
ity to neighborhoods that would otherwise not see this business. Two-
thirds of all New York City hotels are located in Mid-town Manhattan,
yet the majority of this activity occurs outside of this area in Manhat-
tan, and in the four outer boroughs. Visitors use these lodging options
for a variety of reasons including visiting family members who live in
the outer boroughs and to get a feel for the local flavor and vibrancy
of neighborhoods throughout New York City. This legislation would bring
exponential economic benefits to both New York City's residents and its
visitors.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill
FISCAL IMPACT IN THE STATE:
To be determined
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
