HPD Publishes 2017 Housing Information Guide

New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) recently released the 2017 version of its housing information guide, The ABCs of Housing. In addition to posting the required notice regarding the guide’s availability, owners of multiple dwellings (residential buildings of 3+ units) should maintain a copy. The document provides a handy reference for HPD landlord requirements. (Note: The guide does not capture all owner and tenant duties relating to housing in New York City.)

Since you’re probably busy, we’re highlighting the major changes here in this article.

What’s new in the updated housing information guide?

At first glance, the guide looks completely different than past incarnations. The new publication sports a contemporary layout and color photography, showing a friendlier face of New York City government.

Window dressing aside, the updated housing information guide clearly identifies significant changes from the previous edition. Revised items are tagged as *NEW* on the table of contents.

For landlords, the significant changes are as follows:

• Heat Season. Nighttime heat requirements no longer depend on external temperature. Between October 1 and May 31, building owners must maintain an internal temperature of 62° between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Gas Leaks. The new guide now includes a section on gas leaks that educates tenants and owners on how to recognize such leaks by smell, sight and sound. Property owners are also reminded of the new signage requirement, informing tenants of what to do if they suspect a gas leak.
• Reorganization. Now, the housing information guide separates condition requirements from complaints. Standards appear in the first section, under “Conditions.” A new section combines “Complaints, Violations and Enforcement.”
• Owner Resources. The 2017 edition includes resources for building owners. Specifically, the guide offers information on the Division of Neighborhood Preservation, which offers one-on-one counseling to New York City building owners. Owners can also contact HPD’s Office of Development to learn about available low-interest loans or tax exemptions.

Building owners (or anyone else) can download the new guide here.

We hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions about building insurance, call our office at 877-576-5200.