NYC passes new appliance mandate that critics argue will make rent, other costs skyrocket
The New York City Council passed a bill requiring new rules for installing appliances. Christopher Sadowski
The New York City Council voted 47–1 on Thursday to pass new rules requiring gas appliances such as ovens and dryers to be installed only by licensed master plumbers or specially certified handymen.
Supporters, led by Bronx Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, argued the legislation is necessary for public safety, citing the deadly 2015 East Village gas explosion — caused by an illegal hookup — that killed two people and destroyed three buildings. “Y’all should not be installing a gas range yourself,” Sanchez said before the vote. “It’s not safe.”
Critics, however, warn the measure could add up to $500 per installation, with landlords likely passing the extra costs along to tenants. Kenny Burgos of the New York Apartment Association said the law was unnecessary and would strain a limited supply of qualified plumbers, noting there are only about 1,100 in the city. “The law will add hundreds of dollars to every installation because it will require licensed master plumbers to perform a job store technicians, supers, and contractors have been doing safely for decades,” he argued.
Sanchez countered that the measure doesn’t represent a major change but rather a clarification of existing practices. Still, she acknowledged the need to expand access to the plumbing trade to meet increased demand.
The only vote against the bill came from Bronx Councilman Kevin Riley. The Adams administration has yet to signal whether the mayor will sign the bill, saying only that it is reviewing the legislation. If approved, the new rules would take effect in 120 days.
About Post Author
