I've been living in the same building for over 2 years. Earlier this week, I got billed $25 for "CO & Smoke Detector".
There was no communication about it - I don't believe there were any notices posted (but it's very possible there were and I missed them) - at least not anything directly to me saying they were going to bill me for a new detector.
I did not request them to replace anything, nor did I break anything. They called up and told me they were going to replace the detector.
I asked downstairs what it was, and they said that "everyone in the building was being billed", so it's not something specific to my apartment. This is a non-rent controlled building that has nearly 500 units.
I saw a law from 2004 saying that they could install one and charge the tenant or replace one that the tenant destroyed, but I can't see how they can just pass on the charge to tenants forever.
I've lived in NYC for 8 years and have never been charged for this before.
Anyone else know of the legality of this?