Relates to energy efficiency improvements and certain alterations to multiple dwellings

2025 Regular Session

The bill updates New York’s multiple dwelling rules to boost energy efficiency by allowing reduced light/ventilation standards when installing energy-efficient windows and HVAC, wi

PRINT NUMBER 11319A

Summary of Bill A 11319-A (Session 2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

This bill amends the multiple dwelling law to advance energy efficiency improvements and certain alterations to existing and newly constructed dwellings. It clarifies definitions related to HVAC equipment and expands or tightens rules governing window openings, light, ventilation, and related building elements to support energy performance while maintaining safety and habitability.

Key provisions and changes

Definition added:

§1 adds a definition: HVAC equipment = heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

Light, ventilation, and energy efficiency adjustments:

§2, §3, §4, §5, §12, §13, §14, §15, §16, §17, §18, §19, §20 establish modified light/ventilation requirements across various dwelling components (rooms, kitchens, dining bays, basements, public halls, and living spaces). A common framework allows reductions in required window area or light/ventilation when energy-efficient window assemblies are installed or when HVAC equipment is added in existing windows. Reductions acknowledge:
Up to 25% reduction below minimum requirements for existing windows replaced with higher R-value assemblies.
Up to 25% reduction when HVAC equipment is installed in an existing window.
Up to 33% reduction when both window replacement and HVAC equipment are used together.
Specific sections address:
General rooms and living spaces (section 30 provisions, multiple dwelling light/vent standards).
Dining bays and kitchenette areas with minimum window/opening requirements.
Cellars/basements and public halls, including ventilating skylights as an alternative to windows on top floors.
Converted dwellings and joint living-work artist lofts, including minimum window area percentages and opening requirements.
Dining bays in apartments and windows opening onto streets or yards/courts.

Ventilation and emergency/safety features:

§19 adds a requirement for a single-station smoke detector outside sleeping areas, with direct wiring to the unit’s lighting circuit and visible energization indicator; battery-only systems are not permitted.
§20 states the act takes effect immediately and applies to all buildings existing on or constructed after the date of enactment, signaling immediate applicability.

Who/what is affected

Primarily residential buildings covered by the New York Multiple Dwelling Law, including:

General dwelling units
Dining bays, kitchens, basements, and public halls
Lofts and joint living-work quarters for artists
Converted dwellings and apartments with altered configurations

Builders, landlords, developers, property managers, and tenants in covered buildings.

Buildings undergoing window retrofits or HVAC upgrades may see relaxations in required light/ventilation space, subject to the new percentage allowances.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced May 11, 2026; referred to Housing Committee, amended, and recommitted to Housing as of June 1, 2026.

Effective date: immediate upon enactment; applies to buildings existing on or constructed after that date.

This bill emphasizes energy efficiency through allowances for energy-efficient window installations and HVAC integration, while preserving essential daylight, ventilation, and safety standards (notably through smoke detectors).