New York City’s Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act will introduce phased wage, paid-time-off, and supplemental-benefit requirements for covered security officers from 2027 through 2029, creating new considerations for commercial property owners and businesses.
NEW YORK, NY — New York City is preparing to implement new labor requirements for security officers under Local Law 61 of 2026, known as the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act. The legislation will establish new compensation and benefits standards for covered security personnel, with requirements scheduled to take effect over a three-year period beginning January 1, 2027.
For commercial property owners, real estate investors, building managers, and businesses considering expanding or relocating to New York City, the legislation introduces important financial and operational considerations.
The law is named in honor of Aland Etienne, a security officer who was killed while on duty during the July 2025 shooting at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. His death brought renewed attention to the essential role security officers play in protecting workers, residents, and visitors throughout New York City's commercial buildings.
New Security Officer Requirements Will Be Phased In Through 2029
Rather than implementing all requirements simultaneously, New York City has established a phased timeline designed to give affected businesses and property owners time to prepare.
Effective date | New requirement |
January 1, 2027 | Minimum-wage requirements begin |
January 1, 2028 | Paid-time-off requirements take effect |
January 1, 2029 | Supplemental-benefit requirements begin |
The phased approach provides building owners, property management companies, and security service providers an opportunity to evaluate their existing contracts, staffing arrangements, and operating budgets before each new requirement takes effect.
However, properties with extensive security needs could experience more substantial financial adjustments.
Commercial Property Owners Could Face Higher Operating Costs
Security services are an important component of operating expenses for many New York City properties, particularly office towers, residential high-rises, mixed-use developments, hotels, and large commercial complexes.
Buildings requiring multiple security officers, overnight staffing, or around-the-clock coverage may face increased labor costs as the law's requirements are implemented.
For property owners and managers, potential financial considerations include higher security contract expenses, adjustments to annual operating budgets, and changes to long-term vendor agreements.
Properties with 24-hour security coverage may be particularly sensitive to increases in hourly compensation and employee benefits because even relatively modest changes can accumulate across multiple shifts and employees.
Commercial landlords may also need to evaluate whether certain security-related expenses can be recovered through existing lease provisions, depending on the terms of individual tenant agreements.
What the Law Means for Businesses Moving to New York City
For companies considering a relocation, expansion, or new commercial lease in New York City, security-related operating expenses may become an increasingly important part of evaluating potential properties.
Businesses leasing space in office towers or mixed-use developments should understand how building security costs are calculated and whether future increases could affect their total occupancy expenses.
Companies planning to own or manage facilities directly may need to incorporate the new requirements into financial projections, particularly if their operations require security personnel during evenings, weekends, or overnight hours.
These considerations are especially relevant for businesses evaluating large office properties, corporate headquarters, and other facilities requiring continuous building access and security coverage.
While security expenses represent only one component of overall occupancy costs, understanding upcoming regulatory changes can help businesses make more informed decisions when comparing New York City locations.
Implications for New York City’s Real Estate Investment Market
The Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act also introduces a new consideration for investors evaluating commercial real estate acquisitions and development opportunities.
Operating expenses directly influence a property's net operating income, an important measure used to assess investment performance and property valuations.
If security expenses increase without corresponding revenue growth or expense recoveries, property owners could experience pressure on operating margins.
Investors acquiring office buildings, multifamily properties, or mixed-use developments may therefore want to examine existing security contracts, staffing levels, and projected compliance expenses as part of their due diligence.
For new developments, incorporating anticipated security labor costs into early financial planning may help developers create more realistic long-term operating projections.
A Renewed Focus on Building Security and Workforce Standards
Beyond its financial implications, the legislation reflects a broader conversation about the responsibilities and working conditions of security personnel in New York City.
Security officers frequently serve as the first point of contact for visitors entering commercial buildings and residential properties. Their responsibilities can include monitoring building access, responding to incidents, assisting occupants, and coordinating with emergency responders.
The tragic death of Aland Etienne underscored the risks that security professionals may encounter while performing these duties.
By establishing new compensation and benefits requirements, the city is seeking to strengthen employment standards for covered security workers.
The legislation's implementation may also encourage property owners to reassess broader building security practices, including staffing models, emergency response procedures, and coordination with contracted security providers.
How Property Owners and Businesses Can Prepare
With the first requirements scheduled to take effect in January 2027, affected property owners and businesses have a limited window to review their operations before the initial implementation date.
Building owners and property managers should consider reviewing existing security service agreements, identifying potentially covered employees, and discussing compliance responsibilities with security contractors.
Financial planning should account for all three implementation stages rather than focusing exclusively on the initial wage requirements.
Property owners may also benefit from reviewing long-term security staffing needs and evaluating how anticipated labor expenses could affect future operating budgets.
Because specific obligations may depend on the law's coverage provisions and implementing guidance, businesses should confirm the requirements applicable to their properties and employment arrangements.
The Bottom Line for Those Investing or Doing Business in New York
New York City remains one of the nation's most significant commercial real estate and business markets, attracting employers, entrepreneurs, developers, and investors from around the world.
However, understanding local labor regulations and building operating expenses remains essential when evaluating the true cost of establishing or maintaining a business presence in the city.
Local Law 61 of 2026 represents an important upcoming change for New York City's security workforce and the properties that rely on it.
For property owners, businesses, and real estate investors, early planning will be essential as the new requirements are phased in from 2027 through 2029.
For those considering a move, expansion, or investment in New York City, evaluating these changes alongside real estate costs, taxes, and other operating expenses can support more informed long-term decisions.
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