NY S08864

Amends Public Housing Law by adding section 19-a requiring the commissioner of housing and community renewal to promulgate rules authorizing voluntary use of electronic records and signatures for residential leases and renewals in units requiring annual registration statements.

Rules must conform to state technology law requirements and include procedures ensuring tenants affirmatively consent to electronic records and that use remains voluntary and not landlord-required.

Requires the division to develop a consent form in the top six languages other than English spoken in New York according to U.S. Census data, clearly stating electronic records use is voluntary and citing relevant law.

Mandates copies of signed consent forms be provided to both the tenant and the division, with electronic records only accepted if a valid consent form is on file.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.