Statement from Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris On Woodside Houses Gas Outage

WOODSIDE, N.Y. – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris issued the following statement about the ongoing gas outage at the Woodside Houses NYCHA development.

“Ongoing utility outages are unacceptable for any New Yorker, and NYCHA residents should not be expected to pay full rent when they are not receiving the services they are paying for. That's why I introduced the NYCHA Utility Accountability Act, which would reduce rent obligations during extended utility outages and ensure we treat all our neighbors with respect.”

Background

• During a 3-month gas outage impacting Astoria Houses, Senator Gianaris introduced the NYCHA Utility Accountability Act (S.1603) to pro-rate rents for NYCHA tenants who face utility outages.

• When enacted, the act reduces a tenant’s rent obligation in an amount prorated per day of utility outage by the greater of 10% of the tenant’s actual rent or $75 per month. Affected utilities include gas, heat, water, and electric service. In addition to providing relief for impacted tenants, this legislation would provide a financial incentive to fix service more quickly.

• The bill is sponsored in the Assembly by Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson.