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Bill

S 7633

Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Hoylman-Sigal and 1 co-sponsor

Allows tenants to seek rent abatement for housing maintenance code violations, clarifying remedies and procedures to speed repairs and increase tenant protections.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 7633

Summary — S.7633 (2025)

Title: Relates to actions and proceedings seeking an abatement of rent based on violations of the housing maintenance code

Main purpose and intent

S.7633 seeks to address legal actions and court proceedings in which tenants seek an abatement (reduction) of rent because their housing unit violates the housing maintenance code. The bill is intended to clarify, modify, or create procedural and substantive rules governing rent-abatement claims that arise from housing code violations, with the practical aim of improving enforcement of housing standards and establishing clearer remedies for tenants living in substandard conditions.

(Note: the full bill text is not included in the materials provided. The summary below is based on the bill title, legislative history, and typical issues raised by rent-abatement legislation.)

Key provisions (expected scope)

The bill’s title indicates it would address one or more of the following types of provisions commonly found in rent-abatement legislation:
- Define or refine when a tenant may bring an action for rent abatement due to housing maintenance code violations.
- Clarify standards of proof and the elements a tenant must establish (e.g., existence of code violations, notice to landlord, failure to repair).
- Specify available remedies (partial rent abatement, escrow, rent withholding, injunctive relief, repair-and-deduct).
- Address allocation of legal costs and attorney’s fees between tenants and landlords in these cases.
- Set procedural rules for housing court or civil court processing of abatement claims (motions, evidence, inspections).
- Provide interplay between municipal code-enforcement findings (e.g., housing department violations) and private tenant claims.

Because the text is not supplied, readers should consult the bill language for the precise statutory amendments and remedies S.7633 proposes.

Who would be affected

  • Tenants: potentially gain clearer pathways and remedies (rent reductions, repairs, etc.) when housing code violations exist.
  • Landlords/property owners: could face more structured liability, clearer requirements to address violations, and potentially increased litigation or financial exposure.
  • Courts (Housing Court/Civil Courts): procedural rules and caseloads may be affected if the bill changes filing thresholds, evidentiary standards, or remedies.
  • Local code-enforcement agencies: their inspection findings or certificates may be given particular weight in rent-abatement proceedings.
  • Legal service providers and housing advocates: changes could affect demand for representation and dispute-resolution practices.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: April 24, 2025
  • Referred to Judiciary (multiple entries on April 24 and June 12)
  • Print numbers / amendments: 7633A (4/30/2025), 7633B (5/8/2025), 7633C (5/21/2025)
  • Advanced to third reading: May 22, 2025
  • Passed the Senate: June 12, 2025
  • Delivered to the Assembly: June 12, 2025
  • Current status (as of June 12, 2025): Referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee

Sponsors and related legislation

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal
  • Cosponsor: Senator Robert Jackson
  • Companion bill: A.8291 (Assembly companion)

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could strengthen tenants’ remedies for living in units that fail to meet housing maintenance standards and could create clearer, more predictable litigation paths.
  • Possible outcomes include increased repairs and faster code compliance, but also additional litigation and costs for landlords.
  • The exact impact depends on the specific procedural standards, remedy formulas, and fee-shifting provisions contained in the bill text.

Next steps / monitoring

  • Monitor hearings and any amendments in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
  • Review the final enrolled bill text (and any legislative memoranda) to determine precise statutory changes, effective dates, and any transitional rules.

If you would like, I can:
- Retrieve and summarize the bill text (if available),
- Compare S.7633 to its Assembly companion A.8291,
- Provide an analysis of likely legal and fiscal effects based on the bill language.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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