What Repairs Is My NYC Landlord Responsible For?

January 10, 2026

Ever woken up to a leaky ceiling or a shorted-out outlet in your NYC rental, only to hear "that's on you" from your landlord? You're not powerless-NYC law has your back.

Tip: Want to sanity-check a specific address? Search it on Building Health X to see recent heat/hot water, pests, noise, safety and violations across 30/90 days, 1 year and 3 years.

From the Warranty of Habitability and Housing Maintenance Code to must-fix issues like roofs, plumbing, heat, pests, and elevators, we'll break down exactly what your landlord owes you. Plus, how to report via 311. Ready to claim your rights?

Legal Basis for Landlord Repairs in NYC

NYC landlords must maintain safe, livable conditions under strict laws. Failure risks fines up to $25,000 per violation and tenant lawsuits. The legal framework rests on three key pillars: the Warranty of Habitability in Real Property Law 235-b, the Housing Maintenance Code in NYC Admin Code Title 27, and standard lease obligations.

These laws require landlords to address issues like leaking roofs, no heat, or pest infestations promptly. Tenants can report violations to NYC HPD via 311, leading to inspections and enforcement. In 2023, HPD issued over 350,000 violations for problems such as plumbing issues and broken windows.

Landlords in rent-stabilized apartments face extra scrutiny under NYC rent laws. Common responsibilities include emergency repairs for heat and hot water, plus structural fixes in common areas. Tenants should document repair requests with photos and certified letters to build a case for housing court if needed.

Understanding these pillars give the power tos tenants to enforce landlord responsibilities. For example, a sewage backup triggers immediate action under the Housing Maintenance Code. Always check your lease for specific clauses on superintendent duties and 24-hour hotlines.

Warranty of Habitability

Under Real Property Law 235-b, landlords must ensure apartments are fit for human habitation. Courts have ruled that leaky roofs and no heat violate this standard. This implied warranty applies to all NYC rentals, even without lease mention.

Key requirements include weatherproofing to prevent leaks, essential services like heat at 68 degreesF from October to May per Local Law 152, and safe, clean conditions free of mold or pests. For instance, a broken boiler demands prompt heat repairs. Failure allows tenants remedies such as repair-and-deduct up to one month's rent.

The 1970 Rubinstein v. Jamaica project case set precedent for these standards. Tenants facing constructive eviction from unlivable conditions can withhold rent after notice. Experts recommend notifying the landlord and HPD first, then seeking housing court orders.

Practical steps include filing 311 complaints for essential services disruptions like hot water shortages. Keep records of all communications to avoid retaliatory eviction claims. This warranty protects against issues like water damage or rodent infestation effectively.

Housing Maintenance Code

NYC Administrative Code Title 27 lists over 100 specific maintenance standards. HPD enforces these with civil penalties from $100 for class A violations to $25,000 for class C hazards. Landlords must fix issues like plumbing leaks within 24 hours.

27-2005 requires floors, walls, and ceilings to stay intact, covering structural repairs.
27-2017 mandates plumbing leaks fixed in 24 hours, including sewage backups.
27-2028 demands pest extermination for rodents or bed bugs.
27-2046 ensures heat and hot water meet minimum temperatures.
27-3812 requires working locks and security for doors and windows.

Violations in common areas like hallway lighting or elevator maintenance fall under these rules too. Tenants should submit maintenance tickets via the managing agent or 311 for tracking. HPD inspections often result in violation fines, pressuring timely repairs.

For emergencies like gas leaks or fire safety issues such as faulty smoke detectors, contact the 24-hour hotline immediately. Document everything with photos as evidence for housing court. This code covers lead paint hazards and asbestos removal as well.

Lease Agreement Obligations

Standard NYC leases explicitly require landlords to maintain plumbing, heat, and structure. Breaches void quiet enjoyment clauses, as courts consistently uphold tenant rights. These obligations apply regardless of rent-stabilized status.

Common clauses include:

Landlord repairs for appliances like stoves or refrigerators.
Habitability implied even if not written.
Compliance with laws like the Housing Maintenance Code.
Superintendent access for 24-hour emergency repairs.

Sample language might read: "Landlord shall maintain all plumbing, heating systems, and structural elements in good repair." Preferential rent riders do not affect these repair rights. Tenants can challenge illegal lockouts or utility shutoffs tied to lease breaches.

Review your lease for clauses on garbage disposal, snow removal, or exterior doors. Send repair requests via certified letter to create a paper trail. If ignored, pursue rent withholding or legal aid through Right to Counsel programs in housing court.

Structural and Building Repairs

Landlords must fix structural issues within 14 days per HMC 27-2005, with HPD violations common for issues like roof leaks. Structural defects threaten safety and habitability. New York City housing laws require immediate attention to major areas such as roofs, foundations, and walls.

NYC landlords face DOB orders and vacate notices for non-compliance with the Housing Maintenance Code. Tenants in rent-stabilized apartments have strong tenant rights to enforce these repairs. Document all problems with photos and certified letters to build a case.

Common violations include leaking roofs, cracked foundations, and unsafe floors. Landlords must maintain weatherproofing and essential services like heat repairs. Failure to act can lead to repair and deduct options or housing court actions.

Experts recommend filing 311 complaints for NYC HPD inspections. This triggers violation fines and mandates timely repairs. Tenants should know their warranty of habitability protects against constructive eviction.

Roof and Foundation

Roof leaks must be repaired within 48 hours per HPD emergency protocol. Roofs must be waterproof under HMC 27-2008, with gutters functional and foundation cracks under 1/4 inch. Active leaking counts as an emergency requiring immediate landlord action.

Landlord responsibilities include fixing water damage from roof failures promptly. Tenants should document issues with time-stamped photos and send a certified letter demanding repairs. This creates evidence for housing court if needed.

In one case, a Bronx building faced vacate orders after foundation failure led to collapses. Such structural repairs fall under building code violations. Tenants can pursue repair and deduct for urgent fixes like patching leaks.

Maintain records of all maintenance tickets and 311 complaints. NYC HPD can issue emergency repair orders. This ensures landlords address leaking roof problems without delay, protecting habitability.

Walls, Floors, and Ceilings

Cracked walls over 1/4 inch, buckling floors, or falling plaster violate HMC 27-2005. Standards require walls securely attached, floors level and free of holes, ceilings without water stains, and no exposed wiring. Repairs must happen within 14 days for non-emergencies.

Landlords handle structural repairs to floors, walls, and ceilings as part of habitability duties. Tenants in rent-stabilized units can withhold rent or use repair and deduct after notice. For example, one tenant offset $800 in water damage repairs from rent.

Document damage with photos and certified letters to the managing agent. File 311 complaints for HPD violations if ignored. This leads to fines and court orders for timely repairs.

Common issues like buckling floors create safety hazards in common areas. Superintendents must report these to owners promptly. Tenants have rights against retaliatory eviction when enforcing these standards.

Plumbing and Water Systems

Landlords must provide 120 degreesF hot water within 24 hours (HMC 27-2030). NYC tenants often face plumbing issues like leaks or backups. Know your tenant rights under New York City housing laws to demand timely repairs.

Landlord responsibilities cover essential services such as hot and cold water pressure, working toilets, and no sewage backups. Report problems promptly via 311 complaints or your building's emergency contact. Document everything with photos for evidence in housing court if needed.

Local Law 152 adds seasonal requirements for boiler maintenance to ensure reliable hot water during winter. Landlords must inspect and service heating systems annually. Failures can lead to violation fines from NYC HPD.

Hot water at 120 degreesF: Fixed within 24 hours, or it's a violation of habitability.
Cold water pressure at 20 psi minimum: Must maintain steady flow for daily use.
No leaks: Repaired in 48 hours to prevent water damage.
Toilet flushes properly: Essential for sanitation, quick fix required.
No sewage backup: Treated as an emergency, immediate action needed.
Garbage disposal working: Functional in kitchens, part of appliance repairs.

For emergency repairs like gas leaks or sewage backup, call your landlord's 24-hour hotline first. If no response, contact 311 for HPD inspection. Tenants can pursue repair and deduct or withholding rent after proper notice.

Electrical and Heating Systems

Heat must reach 68 degreesF by 6AM daily Oct-May per Local Law 152. NYC landlords must ensure heating systems meet these standards during cold months. Failure to provide proper heat violates the warranty of habitability.

Landlords handle all heat repairs, including boiler maintenance and fuel oil leaks. Tenants should report issues immediately via a certified letter or 311 complaint to NYC HPD. Document problems with photos for evidence in housing court if needed.

For electrical systems, landlords fix exposed wires and ensure outlets work safely. GFCI outlets in bathrooms prevent shocks and must be operational. Flickering lights signal wiring problems that require prompt electrical repairs.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be working and tenant-tested monthly. Call ConEd at 1-800-75-CONED for gas leaks or power outages. Request DOB electrical inspections through 311 for building code violations.

Heat Requirements and Local Law 152

Under Local Law 152, heat must hit 68 degreesF daytime and 62 degreesF nighttime from October 1 to May 31. Landlords maintain boilers and radiators for essential services. Tenants in rent-stabilized apartments can file HPD violations for non-compliance.

Report no heat to 311 for an emergency repair ticket. Superintendents handle boiler maintenance under Housing Maintenance Code. Persistent issues may lead to rent withholding after proper notice.

Examples include cold radiators or broken thermostats. Keep records of repair requests to prove landlord responsibilities. HPD can issue fines for violations affecting habitability.

Electrical Outlets and Safety

Landlords repair electrical outlets with no exposed wires or hazards. Outlets must support standard appliances without sparks. Tenants notice issues like dead sockets in kitchens.

GFCI protection in bathrooms and kitchens trips for safety during water use. Faulty ones need immediate replacement by licensed electricians. Document with photos before filing a 311 complaint.

Avoid using damaged outlets to prevent fires. Managing agents coordinate timely repairs. DOB inspections enforce NYC electrical codes for all buildings.

Smoke, CO Detectors, and Lighting

Landlords install and maintain smoke detectors and CO alarms per fire safety laws. Tenants test them monthly and report failures. Batteries and units get replaced at no tenant cost.

No flickering lights allowed, as they indicate loose wiring or overloads. Common in older rent-stabilized apartments with outdated panels. Call for repairs to avoid fire risks.

For emergencies like gas leaks, contact ConEd's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-75-CONED. DOB processes electrical violation reports via 311. Tenants gain leverage with documented maintenance tickets.

Elevators and Common Areas

Elevators require DOB inspection every 14 days under Local Law 84. Common area neglect led to 15,000 violations in 2023. Tenants in NYC have clear landlord responsibilities for keeping these spaces safe and functional.

Landlords must maintain elevators with a current Certificate of Operation from the Department of Buildings. If the elevator breaks down, report it immediately via 311 complaints to trigger NYC HPD inspections. Failure to repair can lead to emergency repairs and fines.

Common areas like hallways, lobbies, and stairwells fall under the Housing Maintenance Code. Neglect here violates the warranty of habitability, allowing tenants to pursue repair and deduct or withholding rent after proper notice. Superintendents handle daily upkeep as part of their superintendent duties.

Here are key landlord responsibilities for common areas in NYC:

Keep elevator Certificate of Operation current and posted.
Ensure hallway lighting with every third-floor bulb working.
Maintain secure lobby doors with functioning locks.
Keep stairwells clean and free of debris.
Verify working fire escapes accessible and inspected.
Handle sidewalk snow removal within three hours per NYC winter regulations.
Provide mailbox access with keys and secure units.
Keep intercom functional for tenant entry.

Superintendent Duties in Common Areas

Supers act as the managing agent for NYC landlords, performing reasonable repairs in shared spaces. They fix hallway lighting, clear garbage disposal issues, and test smoke detectors regularly. Tenants should log requests via certified letter for records.

For elevator maintenance, supers coordinate DOB filings and respond to outages within hours. In rent-stabilized apartments, delays can result in HPD violations and rent reductions. Document issues with photos as evidence for housing court if needed.

Common super tasks include pest control in basements, locks and security fixes, and snow removal. If the super ignores maintenance tickets, escalate to the owner or 311 complaints. This protects tenant rights against neglect.

Pest Control and Sanitation

Landlords must exterminate pests within 7 days under HMC 27-2017. NYC rodent complaints hit 75,000 in 2023 with $5,000+ fines. This rule ensures habitability in rent-stabilized apartments and all NYC rentals.

Landlord responsibilities include hiring licensed professionals for infestations. Tenants should check the HPD Bedbug Registry before complaining or moving in. Prompt action prevents building code violations and health hazards.

Specific protocols cover common issues like roaches, bedbugs, rats, and mold. Garbage rooms require daily cleanup and pickup. Landlords face fines for neglecting these essential services.

Roaches and Bedbugs

For roaches or bedbugs, landlords must hire a licensed exterminator for two initial treatments. Follow-up visits ensure the problem is resolved. Tenants report via 311 for NYC HPD enforcement.

Before treatment, prepare your unit by cleaning surfaces and reducing clutter. Bag and dispose of infested items properly. Document everything with photos for repair requests.

Rats and Mice

Rodent infestations demand monthly prevention from landlords, including baiting and sealing entry points. Superintendents handle ongoing traps in common areas. Severe cases trigger emergency repairs.

Report rodents immediately to avoid constructive eviction claims. Keep records of complaints to your managing agent. This protects your tenant rights under New York City housing laws.

Mold and Garbage

Mold over 30 square feet requires professional remediation by landlords, not just painting. Inspect for leaks causing growth. Tenants can withhold rent after notice if ignored.

Garbage rooms need daily cleaning and pickup to maintain sanitation. Landlords ensure proper garbage disposal in hallways and exteriors. Violations lead to 311 complaints and fines.

Tenant prep checklist: Vacuum regularly, secure food, report leaks promptly, and notify landlord in writing. Use certified letters for proof. This speeds up timely repairs.

How to Report Repairs

Proper documentation wins repair battles in New York City. File 311 requests create public records used by tenants in housing court cases. Use NYC's 311 system first, then escalate as needed.

Track all complaints via HPD Online for proof of landlord responsibilities under the Housing Maintenance Code. Certified letters to your landlord add weight. Follow up persistently to enforce tenant rights.

For serious issues like no heat or gas leaks, contact emergency services immediately. Non-emergency problems such as leaking roofs or pest control go through 311. This process holds NYC landlords accountable for habitability.

Send a certified letter template to your landlord outlining the issue, like "The ceiling in apartment 3B leaks during rain, violating weatherproofing rules." Keep copies of everything. Escalation to Housing Court often leads to court orders for timely repairs.

311 Service Requests

Call 311 or use the NYC311 app. Service requests generate violation orders from NYC HPD. Describe issues with specifics to trigger inspections for building code violations.

Follow these steps for 311 complaints:

Call 311 and provide your BBL (Block/Building/Lot) number, found on your lease or building documents.
Describe the violation clearly, such as plumbing issues or broken windows.
Upload photos as evidence of water damage or mold remediation needs.
Receive a ticket number for tracking.
Monitor progress at the HPD portal.

Use a sample script like "Apartment 3B has a leaking ceiling. BBL 3056780041901. Photos attached show water damage on walls." Best times to call are weekdays from 8am to 5pm. This creates a record for rent-stabilized apartments or warranty of habitability claims.

If no response, escalate to Housing Preservation and Development. Persistent 311 filings pressure landlords for essential services like heat repairs and hot water. Tenants often see results through this official channel.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency

No heat below 55 degreesF or sewage backups count as emergencies with 24-hour response. Landlords face immediate fines under NYC rent laws. Call 911 or HPD's 24-hour hotline for gas leaks or no electricity.

Emergency Repairs	Non-Emergency Repairs
No heat under 55 degreesF, gas leaks, no water, broken locks, fire safety issues like faulty smoke detectors. Call 911 or HPD 24hr hotline.	Cracked paint, slow drips, broken window glass, pest control, hallway lighting. Use 311, expect response within 14 days.
Structural repairs, elevator maintenance failures, rodent infestation. Immediate fines and civil penalties apply.	Appliance repairs like stove or refrigerator, ventilation problems. Track via ticket for reasonable repairs.

For emergencies, document with photos and notify your managing agent or superintendent duties immediately. Escalation path: HPD inspection, then Housing Court for court orders. Emergency Repair Program may reimburse tenants for costs.

Non-emergencies like garbage disposal or common areas issues build a case over time. Avoid repair and deduct without guidance to prevent retaliatory eviction. Legal aid through Right to Counsel helps in eviction defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Repairs Is My NYC Landlord Responsible For?

In New York City, landlords are legally required under the Warranty of Habitability (Real Property Law 235-b) and NYC Housing Maintenance Code to maintain rental units in a safe and habitable condition. This includes repairs for essential systems like heat, hot water, plumbing, electricity, gas, structural integrity (e.g., floors, walls, ceilings), windows, doors, and extermination of pests. They must address leaks, broken elevators in multi-family buildings, and hazardous conditions promptly. Tenants should notify landlords in writing and can withhold rent or repair and deduct costs if ignored after reasonable notice.

What Repairs for Heating and Hot Water Is My NYC Landlord Responsible For?

NYC landlords must provide heat from October 1 to May 31: at least 68 degreesF daytime (6 AM-10 PM) and 62 degreesF overnight in buildings with heat supplied. Hot water must be at least 120 degreesF year-round. If these systems fail, landlords are responsible for repairs. Report violations to 311 or NYC HPD for enforcement, and document issues with photos and written notices to your landlord.

What Structural Repairs Is My NYC Landlord Responsible For?

Landlords in NYC are responsible for all structural repairs, including fixing cracks in walls or ceilings that pose safety risks, repairing broken stairs, balconies, or roofs, and ensuring doors/windows lock properly. The NYC Housing Maintenance Code (Section 27-2000 et seq.) mandates this to prevent hazards. If your landlord neglects these, file a complaint with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

What Electrical and Plumbing Repairs Is My NYC Landlord Responsible For?

NYC landlords must repair faulty wiring, outlets, light fixtures, and ensure electrical systems meet code to prevent fires. For plumbing, they handle clogged drains, leaking pipes, sewage backups, and low water pressure from building lines. Tenant-caused damage may shift responsibility, but routine maintenance is on the landlord. Use certified professionals for repairs and notify via certified mail.

What Pest Control Repairs Is My NYC Landlord Responsible For?

Under NYC law, landlords must exterminate rats, mice, roaches, bedbugs, and other pests in rental units, especially in multi-family buildings. They are responsible for regular inspections and treatments in common areas. Tenants should report infestations immediately in writing. If unresolved after 14 days, tenants can request HPD emergency repairs or hire an exterminator and deduct costs from rent.

What Appliances and Other Repairs Is My NYC Landlord Responsible For?

Landlords are responsible for repairing or replacing appliances they provide (e.g., stove, refrigerator) if included in the lease. They also handle building-wide issues like elevators, mailboxes, and intercoms. Non-essential items tenant-supplied are typically the tenant's responsibility unless specified otherwise. Always check your lease and NYC rent stabilization rules if applicable for appliances in stabilized units.