Local Law 157, passed by the NYC Council in 2016 following deadly natural gas explosions, mandates the installation of natural gas detectors in residential buildings once official standards are in place. New regulations based on NFPA 715, finalized on February 15, 2024, require compliance by May 1, 2025.

What are the requirements?

• Detectors must meet NFPA 715‑2023, be UL‑1484 or UL‑2075 certified, and:

  • Be installed on/near ceilings, within 12″ of ceiling height

  • Be positioned 3–10 ft horizontally from any gas-burning appliance (or follow manufacturer/NFPA rules if space is limited) 

• Hard‑wired units require a licensed electrical contractor; battery or plug-in units can be installed by a building owner, maintenance staff, or occupant.

Building owners are responsible for installing and replacing the detectors when they reach the end of their service life, while tenants are responsible for maintaining battery-powered devices within their units. The law is enforced by the NYC Department of Buildings and HPD, with potential violations issued for non-compliance. Local Law 157 was passed in response to past gas-related explosions in the city and is designed to protect residents by ensuring that leaks are detected early, helping prevent injuries, deaths, and property damage in multifamily and other residential buildings.