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Post: New law adds health protection for rentersPosted by Sharon on 9/18/08
New law adds health protection for renters
Landlords must warn tenants on air quality
By Eric Reinagel • Press & Sun-Bulletin • September 6, 2008
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20080906/NEWS01/809060345/1001
State Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo and state Sen. Thomas
W. Libous tried to get two previous governors to approve a
measure that would warn tenants about indoor air
contamination. Both George E. Pataki and Eliot Spitzer
vetoed the measure.
Gov. David A. Paterson signed the bill into law Friday.
While there were requirements to inform property owners of
certain environmental threats, there was no system in place
to protect renters, said Lupardo, D-Endwell.
In Endicott, Hillcrest and other areas across the state,
renters were unknowingly exposed to potential carcinogens
such as trichlo-roethylene (TCE), even though landlords
were notified about the contamination, she said.
"This new law will now close the current gaps that have
allowed landlords to leave renters in communities like
Endicott and Hillcrest uninformed of known or suspected
environmental contamination," Lupardo said.
The new law, which goes into effect in 90 days, requires
property owners who have indoor air contamination results
indicating levels above state Department of Health
guidelines to give tenants a DOH fact sheet that identifies
the compound or contaminant of concern, along with the
guidelines for indoor air quality and health risks
associated with exposure. Tenants can then request specific
test results from landlords if they desire, Lupardo said.
Landlords could be fined up to $500 for each violation, in
addition to a fine of up to $500 for each day they are in
violation.
Judith Enck, Paterson's top environmental adviser, expects
the majority of landlords to comply, but some education
will be needed to teach people about the new law.
Enck added, "I think after this law is on the books for a
little while, tenants will get in the habit of asking."
Tenants suspecting air contamination would also be wise to
contact the local health department, she said.
The bill was first passed by the legislature in 2006, after
a report in the Press & Sun-Bulletin found renters in
Endicott -- including young families with children --
weren't informed about TCE pollution affecting their
apartments. It was vetoed by Pataki, who characterized it
as "overly broad" and was concerned permanent notification
would be required for environmental contamination remedied
years or decades earlier.
A second attempt hit a different kind of problem with
Spitzer, who supported the intent of the bill but vetoed it
last August, saying it wasn't comprehensive enough and in
some instances was too vague. He urged lawmakers to draft
another bill, this time with help from his office.
According to Libous, R-Binghamton, one reason the bill was
previously vetoed was that some New York City landlords
were concerned about the potential of having to contact
more than 40,000 tenants.
"I applaud the work (Lupardo) did on this bill. She
authored it and re-authored it. This is long overdue,"
Libous said. "I'm very pleased that people who cannot
afford a home, or who prefer living in an apartment, will
still be protected and notified if there are concerns
dealing with the environment."
Posts on this thread, including this one
New law adds health protection for renters, 9/18/08, by Sharon. Re: New law adds health protection for renters, 9/18/08, by Deborah.
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