The sidewalks around your building may belong to New York City. But the responsibility for maintenance and sidewalk liability lies with you. In fact, underwriters report that sidewalk-related injuries are the leading liability claim against New York City landlords. Why…
New York City landlords must perform annual inspections of units for indoor allergen hazards under New York's indoor allergen law. New York’s Local Law 55 of 2018, also known as the Indoor Allergen Hazards Law, requires property owners to keep tenant units…
While some property owners are handy and enjoy upgrading and maintaining their buildings, most people rely on professional contractors. Even minor repairs and improvements, however, can involve some level of risk. Landlords and building owners in New York face additional…
The holiday season may be behind us, but we’re in the heart of the winter fire season, with home heating—particularly space heaters—a leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries. Thirty percent of home fires occur during the colder months,…
It’s every landlord’s nightmare: a leak, flood, burst pipe, or overflowing sink or appliance that goes undetected until major, expensive water damage occurs. Landlords and property owners are right to be nervous. In New York City, water damage in multi-family…
Landlords can require tenants to be responsible for sidewalk winter conditions per the lease agreement, but be careful. Even if you don’t live in the building and delegate responsibilities for snow removal to a tenant, that doesn’t absolve you of…
New York City requires property owners to maintain the sidewalks adjacent to their properties. This requirement generally comes down to snow removal and sidewalk repair. Sidewalk violations The Department of Transportation (DOT) has oversight over New York City's 12,750 miles…
Landlords in New York City have specific responsibilities for protecting tenants from lead paint hazards. Local Law 1 of 2004, also known as the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, outlines these requirements, which apply to multiple dwelling units that were…
Do you have the right amount of insurance coverage for your needs? From time to time, we speak with building owners in the New York City area whose properties are drastically underinsured. They pay lower premiums but receive an unpleasant…
As a property owner or manager, you’re responsible in many ways for the safety and security of your tenants, as well as passersby. For instance, if someone slips and falls on a wet floor, icy sidewalk or uneven steps, you…