The City Council overwhelmingly approved new rules for installing appliances on Thursday despite critics arguing the mandates would mean higher costs for building owners — and larger rent bills.

Lawmakers voted 47-1 on a bill to require New Yorkers to hire master plumbers or specially-qualified handymen to handle putting in gas ovens, dryers and other appliances.

But critics have argued the legislation could cost homeowners or landlords as much as $500 more per installation – and ultimately be passed along to renters.

The New York City Council passed a bill requiring new rules for installing appliances. Christopher Sadowski

Bronx Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, who spearheaded the proposal, pointed to a deadly 2015 gas explosion in the East Village as justification for the law that st

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