Rep. Torres Introduces Bill Targeting Slumlords; Requires Heat Sensors in Federally Subsidized Buildings
A Nationwide Heat Sensor Pilot Program
Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced a bill on Wednesday to launch a nationwide heat sensor pilot program, designed to ensure landlords receiving federal subsidies maintain adequate heating in their properties.
Slumlords Who Fail to Keep Buildings Warm Will Face Consequences
Slumlords who fail to keep their buildings warm will be ineligible to receive federal funding if the bill becomes law. The bill proposes a three-year nationwide pilot program requiring owners accepting Section 8 funding to install heat sensors in each unit to constantly monitor the temperature and send real-time updates to the appropriate local housing agency.
If the Temperature Dips Below a Minimum Standard
If the temperature dips below a minimum standard, the agency could automatically issue a violation — and the federal government could suspend subsidies to non-compliant landlords.
“We’re Hitting Slumlords Where It Hurts, Which Is in Their Pocket”
“We’re hitting slumlords where it hurts, which is in their pocket,” Torres said in an interview with the Bronx Times.
A Call for Action in the Bronx
While the pilot program would be nationwide, Torres said he would advocate for it to include the Bronx, which he called “ground zero for housing disinvestment.” Many buildings on the watchlist have hundreds of heat-related complaints and violations.
Tragic Incidents Could Have Been Prevented
Tragic incidents like the 2022 Twin Parks fire, which claimed 17 lives, could have been prevented if the landlord had been promptly held accountable for the lack of heat in the building. Residents had been using space heaters to warm their apartments, which malfunctioned and started the blaze.
Building on Previous Work
The new bill builds upon Torres’ work as a council member, where he introduced New York City’s heat sensor program aimed at landlords with a record of heat-related violations and complaints.
Conclusion
The Housing Temperature Safety Act aims to use technology to automate enforcement of housing laws and hold landlords accountable for providing adequate heating in their buildings. With this new bill, Torres aims to expand the program nationwide and use the government’s power over federal funds to bring about change.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Housing Temperature Safety Act?
A: The bill aims to ensure landlords receiving federal subsidies maintain adequate heating in their properties and to prevent fires caused by overworked space heaters.
Q: How would the bill work?
A: The bill proposes a three-year nationwide pilot program requiring owners accepting Section 8 funding to install heat sensors in each unit to constantly monitor the temperature and send real-time updates to the appropriate local housing agency.
Q: What would happen if the temperature dips below a minimum standard?
A: The agency could automatically issue a violation — and the federal government could suspend subsidies to non-compliant landlords.
Q: Why is the Bronx a focus of the bill?
A: The Bronx is “ground zero for housing disinvestment,” according to Torres, and many buildings on the watchlist have hundreds of heat-related complaints and violations.
