Originally scheduled for enforcement on May 1, 2025, New York City’s Local Law 157 is now slated for a compliance deadline extension to January 1, 2027. This proposed extension was passed by the City Council and is now awaiting approval by the Mayor.
If approved, this change gives property owners more time to install the required natural gas alarms, but with limited device availability and increasing demand, the smart move is to begin planning now.
What is Local Law 157?
Enacted in 2016, Local Law 157 requires the installation of natural gas detectors in residential buildings with gas piping systems. These detectors are designed to alert occupants to potential gas leaks, much like carbon monoxide alarms.
Key requirements:
- Devices must be installed within 5 feet of gas-burning appliances (e.g., stoves, boilers)
- Must comply with NYC DOB and FDNY standards
- Must be replaced every 5 years
- Only DOB-approved devices may be used
New Compliance Date: January 1, 2027 (Pending)
Pending mayoral approval of NYC Council Bill Int. 1281-2024, the official deadline to comply with LL157 will move from May 1, 2025 to January 1, 2027.
This change is intended to account for:
- Supply chain delays
- Limited number of approved gas detector manufacturers
- Challenges coordinating installation across large portfolios
If signed into law, this extension will give owners roughly two more years to comply.
Who Must Comply?
- All residential buildings with gas piping systems
- Applies to multi-family and 1- to 2-family dwellings
- No exemptions for buildings with active gas service
Noncompliance Risks
Buildings that fail to comply with LL157 by the deadline (once finalized) risk:
- DOB violations and fines
- Additional enforcement during annual inspections
- Increased liability in the event of a gas-related emergency
Other Things to Know:
- Limited Device Availability: as of now, only a few manufacturers produce alarms that are officially approved by the DOB and FDNY. With thousands of buildings impacted citywide, availability may become constrained as the new deadline approaches.
- Future Extension Possible: The bill includes a provision for a secondary deadline extension to January 1, 2029, but only if the Department of Buildings determines by July 1, 2026 that fewer than four distinct battery-powered alarm manufacturers are available.
At this time, the 2027 deadline stands, and owners should not rely on a further delay.
How Prise Can Help
Prise works with NYC property owners and managers to make LL157 compliance easy and efficient:
✔️ Identify which units need gas detectors
✔️ Source DOB-approved devices from vetted suppliers
✔️ Schedule installations through licensed electricians
✔️ Handle documentation and timelines to ensure you meet DOB standards
✔️ Track updates to the law and adjust plans accordingly
Plan Ahead — Even With the Extension
Whether the deadline is 2025, 2027, or beyond, the requirement is clear: gas detectors must be installed. With a limited number of approved vendors and thousands of buildings affected, early action is the best strategy.
Contact info@prisenyc.com to begin your LL157 compliance plan now and avoid device shortages or scheduling backlogs later.
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