New Year’s Resolutions to Meet New York Landlord Requirements

For owners of multiple dwellings (3+ units), the end of the year means more than just closing the books and preparing for tax season. It also means that several reporting, notification and other deadlines are fast approaching. Here’s what you need to know about annual New York landlord requirements to prepare for the new year.

Requirements on Bedbugs

Owners must file a bedbug infestation history for all dwelling units annually; the filing should be completed by January 31, 2019. A link to the reporting application is here under Quick Links, and on HPD’s bedbugs page. Note that the filed notice must also be posted in a common area or provided to all new tenants when signing or renewing a lease.

More info is available here.

Landlord Requirements on Allergens

New York’s Local Law 55 of 2018 adds new obligations for owners of multiple dwellings when it comes to pests, molds and other allergens. Annual inspections must be done as of January 19, 2019, for indoor allergen hazards. Such hazards include pests (e.g., rats, cockroaches, mice) and mold.

Here’s a closer look at the obligations (and the penalties for noncompliance).

New York Landlord Requirements on Stove Knob Covers

As of December 5, 2018, owners of multiple dwellings or tenant-occupied co-ops/condominiums must provide stove knob covers for gas stoves where the owners knows—or reasonably could know—that a child under six resides there. The owner must also provide tenants with an annual notice. The law has other requirements as well. Here’s everything you need to know.

Lead Poisoning & Window Guards

In addition to the above requirements, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) requires landlords of multiple dwellings to send tenants an annual notice form. The goal is to protect children from window falls and lead poisoning. The form that tenants must complete is available here. You should also see our What NYC Building Owners Need to Know About Window Guards compliance.

Current Rent Roll

Last, but not least, building owners should review their Loss of Rents coverage every year. Keeping your rent roll current will ensure adequate protection against lost rental income if tenants must move out during repairs.

For more information about the DOHMH notice or updating your rent roll, please visit this page.

If you have additional questions about year-end obligations or your current landlord insurance policy, please call us at 877-576-5200.