NYC Indoor Allergen Hazards Law – Step-by-Step Compliance Guide for Building Owners and pdf form

This guide explains how building owners must comply with NYC Housing Maintenance Code §27-2017.2 (Control of Pests and Other Asthma Allergen Triggers). The law requires annual investigations and additional inspections when triggered by complaints, foreseeable conditions, or HPD violations.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT SUMMARY (§27-2017.2)

Owners of multiple dwellings must:
• Investigate indoor allergen hazards in ALL occupied dwelling units.
• Investigate ALL common areas of the building.
• Conduct investigations at least once per calendar year.
• Conduct additional investigations when:
   - The owner knew or should have known of a condition likely to cause an indoor allergen hazard.
   - A tenant makes a complaint or requests an inspection.
   - HPD issues a notice of violation or orders correction of a condition likely to cause an indoor allergen hazard.

STEP 1 – ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL INSPECTION SCHEDULE

Select a consistent month each calendar year to perform inspections. Every occupied unit and all common areas must be inspected at least once per year.

STEP 2 – PREPARE THE INVESTIGATION LOG

Create an investigation log that includes:
• Apartment number or common area
• Inspection purpose (annual, tenant complaint, owner awareness, HPD violation)
• Investigation date
• Investigator name and relationship to the building
• Findings
• Remedial action taken
• Date remedial action taken
• Individual or company performing remedial work

STEP 3 – PERFORM THE INVESTIGATION

Inspect for the following indoor allergen hazards:
• Visible mold
• Cockroaches
• Mice
• Rats
• Other allergen triggers

Document all findings clearly and objectively.

STEP 4 – TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION WHEN HAZARDS ARE FOUND

If hazards are identified:
1. Open a work order immediately.
2. Identify the root cause (leaks, entry points, sanitation issues, etc.).
3. Correct the condition.
4. Record the remedial action and completion date.
5. Record the individual or company performing the work.

STEP 5 – HANDLE TRIGGERED INSPECTIONS

In addition to the annual inspection, conduct investigations whenever:
• A tenant files a complaint.
• You become aware of a foreseeable condition.
• HPD issues a violation related to indoor allergen hazards.

Each triggered inspection must be logged separately with inspection purpose clearly stated.

STEP 6 – FOLLOW-UP AND REINSPECTION

After corrective work is completed, perform a follow-up inspection if necessary to confirm the hazard has been resolved. Document the results.

RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Maintain annual investigation records for each calendar year including:
• Completed investigation logs
• Work orders and invoices
• Contractor licenses (if applicable)
• HPD violation notices and proof of correction

Proper documentation demonstrates compliance with NYC law and protects against penalties.

OWNER COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

☐ Annual inspection completed for all occupied units
☐ Common areas inspected
☐ Complaint-triggered inspections logged
☐ Hazards corrected promptly
☐ Remedial actions documented
☐ Follow-up inspections performed when needed
☐ Records retained by calendar year

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