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October 2024

Weekly Report for October 25, 2024

NYC Council weighing vote on Broker Fee Ban legislation
The New York City Council is reviewing amended legislation (Int. 360, FARE Act) that would prohibit the collection of a broker fee from a tenant by the landlord to pay for the landlord’s agent. The updated bill could be voted on as early as November 13. The amended FARE Act would also allow a tenant to sue a broker over a purported violation of the FARE Act, empower the City to issue fines, assumes that any broker advertising a rental unit works for and is being paid by the landlord, and would prohibit landlords from paying the fee for a tenant’s broker. NYSAR continues to strongly oppose the bill – NYSAR launched multiple Calls for Action, held one-on-one meetings with City Council Members, and had REALTORS® testify before the Council. NYSAR will continue to engage the City Council on this issue and will keeps members informed on any updates. REALTORS® living and working in New York City, Take Action and tell your New York City Council Member you oppose this bill here.

Early voting begins October 26
Nearly 85 percent of REALTORS® in New York State are registered to vote, and when REALTORS® vote, we play a crucial role in helping protect the interests of the real estate industry. By making sure you have a plan to vote for this year’s November 5 general election, you will help ensure the The Voice for Real Estate® is heard by legislators at the local, state, and national level. Find your polling place for early voting and day-of voting here.

New report details concerns with state’s emissions reduction goals
The Citizens Budget Commission released a report Wednesday urging Governor Hochul and state lawmakers to modify the state’s 2030 emissions reduction goals required in the 2019 CLCPA law. The report expresses concerns with affordability of the state’s “cap and invest” proposal, which would charge companies for emissions and invest the proceeds into clean energy programs and rebates for consumers. Regulations to implement a “cap and invest” program have been delayed repeatedly and state officials are now targeting the end of this year to release a draft proposal.


Weekly Report for October 18, 2024

Top elections forecaster, David Wasserman, speaks at NYSAR meetings (video)
NYSAR was pleased to welcome David Wasserman as its General Session keynote speaker at this year’s NYSAR Fall Business Meetings at Turning Stone Resort in September. David Wasserman, Senior Editor & Elections Analyst for The Cook Political Report, provided REALTORS® with in-depth political analysis heading into this year’s presidential election. Wasserman is recognized as one of the nation’s top election forecasters and is a contributor to NBC News and has appeared on C-SPAN, CNN, Fox News and NPR. You can watch his presentation for a limited time on NYSAR’s website here.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Hochul and Lawmakers You Oppose Mandating Fire Sprinklers
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council is proposing a new unfunded mandate requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new 1-2 family homes and townhomes. Among the issues of concern include additional costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the system, particularly for those homes on well water. Importantly, state law already exists requiring home builders to provide purchasers of newly constructed homes with information on the benefits and estimated costs associated with the installation of fire sprinklers, which NYSAR supported. Take Action now and tell Governor Hochul, your state lawmakers and the Code Council to oppose mandated residential fire sprinklers in New York.

NYC Council to hold public hearings on Mayor’s “City of Yes” housing plan
On September 25, the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) voted 10-3 to approve “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” a package of zoning reforms aimed at making it easier to construct more residential units throughout the city. NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams announced that the City Council will hold its own public hearings on the plan on October 21 and 22, while also saying the Council will put forth its own “thorough housing action plan,” as part of the final negotiations. Read more here.


Weekly Report for October 11, 2024

Recap: NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings – Legislative Groups and Committee work
During NYSAR’s Fall Business Meetings, held October 6-9, REALTOR® Legislative Working Groups and Committees met to discuss and help direct NYSAR’s legislative agenda for the coming year. During those meetings, REALTORS® were engaged on a multitude of topics dealing with new housing policies, agency law, education, and legislative and political issues, just to name a few. Among the issues taken up at this year’s meetings included:

  • Directing NYSAR staff to draft state legislation prohibiting the use of residential real property listing agreements exceeding 24 months in New York State;
  • Directing NYSAR staff to draft state legislation to require the use of written buyer representation agreements for all real estate licensees in New York State.

NYSAR Legislative Working Groups and Committees also discussed:

  • Support for draft legislation requiring all real estate licensees to complete one hour of sexual harassment training annually as set forth in NYS Labor Law Section 201-g(2)(a&b);
  • And support for a statewide public campaign opposing a proposed regulatory mandate that would require the installation of residential fire sprinklers in all new 1-2 family homes and townhouses.

REALTORS® may also view NYSAR’s 2024 Fall Business Meetings reports from all NYSAR Committees here. You can also watch recorded virtual Working Group meetings from September 16-20 here.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Hochul and Lawmakers You Oppose Mandating Fire Sprinklers
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council is proposing a new unfunded mandate requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new 1-2 family homes and townhomes. Among the issues of concern include additional costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the system, particularly for those homes on well water. Importantly, state law already exists requiring home builders to provide purchasers of newly constructed homes with information on the benefits and estimated costs associated with the installation of fire sprinklers, which NYSAR supported.

Take Action now and tell Governor Hochul, your state lawmakers and the Code Council to oppose mandated residential fire sprinklers in New York. Please share the link with colleagues and clients.

State Supreme Court strikes down law moving local elections to even years
On October 8, a state Supreme Court Justice struck down a state law moving many town and county elections in New York to even-numbered years to align them with state and federal races, following a lawsuit filed by Republicans in the state. The ruling said the law violated state constitution and the rights of local governments to control their own affairs. Read more here.


Weekly Report for October 4, 2024

TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Hochul You Oppose Mandating Fire Sprinklers
The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council released its proposed amendments to the state Uniform Code, which includes a new unfunded mandate requiring the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new 1-2 family homes and townhomes. Among the issues of concern include additional costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the system, particularly for those homes on well water. Importantly, state law already exists requiring home builders to provide purchasers of newly constructed homes with information on the benefits and estimated costs associated with the installation of fire sprinklers, which NYSAR supported.

Take Action now and tell Governor Hochul, your state lawmakers and the Code Council to oppose mandated residential fire sprinklers in New York. Please share the link with colleagues and clients.

NYSERDA seeks comment on nuclear energy
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has extended the public comment period for the Draft Blueprint for Consideration of Advanced Nuclear Technologies. Comments will be accepted until Friday, November 8, 2024, through the comment portal on NYSERDA’s website. The final Blueprint for Consideration of Advanced Nuclear Technologies is expected to be published in the coming months and will outline additional public engagement activities on the issues addressed in the Blueprint.