Local Law 157 mandates the installation of natural gas detectors. While the law was originally passed in 2016, recent amendments have delayed the deadlines for compliance. Owners now have until January 1, 2027, to comply with the law. This client alert will address the current deadline and some of the obligations that owners and managing agents should keep in mind as the compliance date approaches.
A Decade In The Making
Local Law 157 was enacted in 2016, following fatal gas explosions in East Harlem and the East Village. Text of the Law is available HERE. The law amended the Housing Maintenance Code and the Building Code to add the requirement of a natural gas-detection device to the existing smoke and carbon monoxide detector framework. However, the law did not take effect immediately. Local Law 157 first required the Department of Buildings (DOB) to establish standards for the installation and location of natural gas alarms. DOB adopted those rules as of February 14, 2024.
Deadline And Possible Extension
Local Law 102 of 2025 postponed the installation requirement to its current deadline of January 1, 2027. The compliance date was postponed to give the City more time to evaluate the market for compliant battery-powered natural gas alarms. On June 15, 2026, the New York City Department of Buildings stated that it identified at least four (4) distinct manufacturers of compliant devices which means January 1, 2027 is the deadline for compliance.
Covered Buildings And Installation Requirements
The requirement applies to Class A and Class B multiple dwellings, as well as certain private dwellings with gas piping. For Class A multiple dwellings, owners must install one or more natural gas alarms in each dwelling. For Class B multiple dwellings, owners may either install an alarm in each dwelling or install a line-operated, zoned, natural gas-detecting system serving all public corridors and common spaces. Buildings without gas piping or service are not covered by the law.
The layout of the building and location of gas appliances dictate device placement. If a fuel-burning gas appliance is located inside a dwelling, the alarm generally belongs in the same room, located between 3 and 10 feet from the appliance, and within 12 inches of the ceiling.
Notices, Recordkeeping, And Compliance Planning
Along with installing devices, owners must post a tenant notice in a common area describing the requirement and the parties’ maintenance responsibilities. Owners are also required to keep records showing when the notice was posted, the installation dates of each device, and each device’s rated life.
Pursuant to New York City Administrative Code § 27-2045, owners of Class A dwellings are able to recover the costs from tenants. A permanent occupant can be asked to reimburse $25 for a standalone gas alarm, $50 if it is combined with a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, and up to $75 for a combined smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas unit, payable within a year. Transient occupants of Class B buildings are not required to reimburse owners.
Owners can use this time to ensure compliance with Local Law 157 by confirming whether they are covered, identifying installation locations, reviewing available compliant devices, and preparing notices and other recordkeeping documents.
The foregoing is not intended to be comprehensive nor constitute legal advice. If you would like to discuss your specific circumstances or would like more information, feel free to contact us at (212) 625-8505.