Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced the Housing Temperature Safety Act to require automatic heat sensors in federally funded housing, targeting slumlords who neglect heating standards. The bill proposes a nationwide pilot program for landlords accepting Section 8 funding to monitor temperature in real-time. Non-compliance could lead to suspended subsidies. Torres underscores the urgency, noting many Bronx buildings have severe heat complaints and referencing tragedies like the Twin Parks fire, asserting that improved enforcement could prevent similar incidents.
Torres said the current complaint process is slow, allowing landlords to address issues before inspections. Heat complaints often vanish by the time inspectors arrive.
Rep. Ritchie Torres emphasized the importance of acting against slumlords, stating the bill will hit them financially by suspending subsidies for non-compliance with heat standards.
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