ITEMS AN OWNER MUST PROVIDE IN YOUR NYC APARTMENT BUILDING
Items an Owner must provide in your NYC apartment building:
by Seren Page-Bailey of Sovereign Associates Inc.
Heat and hot water: When the mercury dips below 55 degrees outside, an Owner must provide 68 degrees Fahrenheit of heat during the day and 62 degrees at night. Hot water must be provided at a constant minimum of 120 degrees.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors: Owners must provide and install at least one carbon monoxide and smoke detector. The Tenant must maintain the batteries.
Fire Safety measures: Owners’ fire safety guidance is to leave the building, close the door, and call 911.
Pest-free buildings: Owners are obliged to keep the building free of pests. If mice, rats, or roaches are in an apartment or common area, it's a violation. Also, New York State law requires owners to disclose a one-year bed bug infestation history.
Lead-free walls: NYC banned lead-based paint in residential buildings in 1960, but it can still exist. Owners are required to remediate lead-based paint in apartments with children under six.
Paint the walls: Owners must repaint every three years. (Often, it's up to the Tenant to make the request).
Windows: Every room should have at least one window opening. If there isn't a window in the bathroom or kitchen, then there are requirements to provide exhaust fans.
Window guards: Owners must provide and install window guards on all windows where a child ten years of age or younger resides.
Locked front door with peephole: In addition to a locked front door, the entry door should have a lock, and the Owner must give at least one key. The door should also have a heavy-duty deadbolt.
Mail service: Owners must provide and maintain approved mailboxes and directories of Tenants so they can get their mail.
Amenities: In a market-rate apartment, a particular amenity, like the laundry room or a doorman, must be provided for the duration of that lease. If they are not, it's a breach of contract.
