Summary ABCs of Housing: Landlord Responsibilities 2024 (pdf file)

Summary ABCs of Housing: Landlord Responsibilities 2024

Provided by HPDSIGNS.NYC

Landlord Responsibilities

• Provide tenants with a safe, well-maintained living environment.
• Ensure essential services such as heat, hot water, and electricity are available.
• Conduct necessary repairs promptly and address tenant complaints.
• Maintain compliance with housing codes and safety regulations.

Fire Safety Responsibilities

• Self-Closing Doors: Install and maintain self-closing doors in all required areas.
• Gas Leaks: Respond immediately to suspected leaks and coordinate professional repairs.
• Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors: Install and replace as needed in all units.
• Stove Knob Covers: Provide covers for gas stoves in units with children under six upon request.
• Locks & Exits: Ensure all doors and windows comply with safety regulations and are not obstructed.

Healthy Homes Compliance

• Lead-Based Paint: Identify and remediate lead-based paint hazards, especially in older buildings.
• Heat & Hot Water: Provide heating from Oct 1 - May 31 and ensure hot water is available year-round.
• Mold & Pests: Address leaks, mold, and infestations promptly to maintain tenant health.
• Window Guards: Install and maintain window guards in units housing children under ten.

Handling Complaints & Violations

• Respond promptly to tenant complaints and file necessary corrections with HPD.
• Resolve violations according to HPD classifications:
• Class A: Non-hazardous (routine repairs)
• Class B: Hazardous (requires timely response)
• Class C: Immediately hazardous (must be addressed urgently)
• Cooperate with HPD inspections and comply with correction orders.

Tenant Harassment Prohibitions

• Landlords must not engage in harassment, including:
• Denying lease renewals unfairly
• Conducting illegal evictions
• Failing to provide essential services to force tenant departures
• Violations may be reported to HPD or the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force.

Housing Court Compliance

• Landlords must comply with court-ordered repairs and housing compliance actions.
• Failure to correct violations may result in legal penalties.
• Eviction proceedings must follow legal processes and cannot be used as retaliation.

Additional Landlord Obligations

• Rent Regulations: Adhere to rent increase laws and offer required lease renewals.
• Certificate of Occupancy: Ensure all rental units are legally certified for habitation.
• Building Security: Maintain locks, intercoms, and entry systems to prevent unauthorized access.
• Anti-Discrimination Compliance: Uphold fair housing laws, ensuring no tenant is denied housing based on race, gender, disability, or income source.

For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/hpd or call 311 for landlord compliance assistance!

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