The City Council overwhelmingly approved new rules for installing appliances on Thursday despite critics arguing the mandates would mean higher costs for building owners — and larger rent bills.
Lawmakers voted 47-1 on a bill to require New Yorkers to hire master plumbers or specially qualified handymen to handle putting in gas ovens, dryers and other appliances.
But critics have argued the legislation could cost homeowners or landlords as much as $500 more per installation — which would ultimately be passed along to renters.
Bronx Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, who spearheaded the proposal, pointed to a deadly 2015 gas explosion in the East Village as justification for the bill, which still needs to be signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams.
The explosion — which killed two people and leveled three buildings — was caused by an illegal hookup.
“Y’all, public, in the city of New York, should not be installing a gas range yourself,” Sanchez said Thursday ahead of the council’s vote. “It’s not safe.”
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