If you live in New York City, you know that the area has some of the highest rent rates in the country. You work hard to support yourself and your family, but what if your landlord’s negligence puts your health and safety at risk?
In NY, building owners must provide a safe and well-maintained environment for tenants. From ensuring proper heating to minimizing the risk of exposure to lead, mold and pest infestation, state law may require your landlord to meet certain basic requirements.
What responsibilities do building owners have?
In New York, building owners may have many basic obligations toward their tenants, including:
- Providing heat and hot water
- Installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Informing residents of potential lead-based paint risks
- Removing double cylinder locks and key-locked window gates that may endanger tenants
- Monitoring issues with pests like cockroaches, mice, rats and bedbugs
- Placing window guards on units where young children live
- Ensuring that building elevators work properly
In addition to ensuring that your own apartment is safe, your landlord may also be responsible for keeping common areas clean and secure, including hallways, lobbies, stairways and laundry rooms.
Can you pursue a claim against a landlord?
If the owner of your building has been negligent about repairs, security or cleanliness, you or one of your family may suffer injury or illness.
Because New York landlords have a duty to provide safe premises for tenants, you may be able to pursue a claim against him or her. In addition to compensation for medical bills, you may be able to receive payment for the pain and suffering caused by your building owner’s neglect.