A Guide To Housing Violations And How Landlords Should Handle Them

New York City tenants are entitled to safe, habitable apartments, yet many don’t know which landlord violations can put their homes at risk. Here’s a list of 30 housing violations, including what they mean, the deadlines landlords have to fix them, the penalties for noncompliance and how tenants can report issues:

Accessibility And Disability

Non-compliant ramps or doorways
What: Ramps and doorways in common areas must be accessible for all tenants. Barriers can prevent people with mobility challenges from entering or exiting safely.
Deadline: Determined by law
Penalties: Civil enforcement, potential lawsuits
Code: Americans with Disabilities Act Title III, New York State Accessibility Standards

Non-compliant elevators or lifts

What: Elevators and lifts must operate correctly and be accessible to tenants with disabilities. Non-functional equipment can block access and violate the law.

Deadline: Immediate for safety hazards

Penalties: Fines + mandatory repairs

Code: Americans with Disabilities Act Title III, New York City Building Code §3001

Electrical And Lighting

Exposed or unsafe wiring
What: Electrical systems must be properly insulated and safe. Exposed wires or faulty outlets create a fire hazard and risk of electrocution.
Deadline: 30–90 days
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2050

Inadequate hallway/common area lighting
What: Common areas must be well-lit for tenant safety. Poor lighting increases the risk of accidents and crime.
Deadline: 30–90 days
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2050

Heat And Hot Water

Lack of heat during required months
What: Landlords must provide heat between October 1 and May 31. If the indoor temperature falls below 68°F during the day or 62°F at night, tenants are considered to be living in unsafe conditions.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: $150–$1,500/day, depending on severity
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2029

Lack of hot water year-round
What: Landlords are required to provide hot water at a minimum of 120°F. Without hot water, tenants cannot safely bathe, cook, or clean, creating unsanitary living conditions.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: $150–$1,500/day
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2028

Broken radiator or boiler
What: Heating equipment must be functional and sufficient to heat apartments. Broken or inoperable radiators and boilers leave units cold and violate tenant rights.
Deadline: Immediate to 30 days
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2029

Plumbing And Water

Leaky faucets or pipes
What: Any plumbing leaks must be repaired promptly to prevent water damage and unsanitary conditions. Leaks can also contribute to mold growth and structural deterioration.
Deadline: 30 days
Penalties: $50–$500 plus daily fines
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2017

Clogged or non-functional toilets/sinks
What: Tenants must have access to fully functional toilets and sinks. Fixtures that do not work interfere with basic hygiene and violate city codes.
Deadline: 30 days
Penalties: $50–$500 plus daily fines
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2017

Sewer backups
What: Raw sewage in apartments or common areas poses serious health risks. Landlords are required to address sewer blockages immediately to protect tenants from contamination.
Deadline: 30 days or less depending on hazard
Penalties: $75–$500 daily
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2017

Illegal Occupancy / Conversion

Illegal unit conversion
What: Apartments created without permits are unsafe and violate city regulations. Landlords must correct unauthorized conversions or face enforcement action.
Deadline: Compliance order from Department of Buildings / Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Penalties: Civil fines + potential eviction notices
Code: New York City Department of Buildings Administrative Code §28-301.1

Overcrowding
What: Units must not exceed the maximum number of occupants allowed by the certificate of occupancy. Overcrowding increases safety and health risks for tenants.
Deadline: Immediate correction required
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2053

Laundry And Amenities

Missing or non-functional laundry facilities
What: Buildings with 11 or more units must provide laundry facilities. Non-working machines deprive tenants of essential services.
Deadline: 30 days
Penalties: Department of Housing Preservation and Development fines
Code: New York State Multiple Dwelling Law §78

Inaccessible laundry facilities
What: Laundry areas must be accessible to tenants with disabilities. Non-compliance violates accessibility requirements and limits tenant independence.
Deadline: Determined by accessibility law
Penalties: Civil enforcement remedies
Code: Americans with Disabilities Act Title III, New York State Accessibility Standards

Lead And Mold

Lead paint hazards
What: Lead-based paint must be remediated in units with children under six. Exposure can cause serious health problems, including developmental delays and neurological damage.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: Up to $10,000 + daily fines
Code: New York City Local Law 55 of 2004

Mold contamination
What: Hazardous mold must be removed from all affected areas. Mold exposure can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems.
Deadline: 21–30 days
Penalties: $75–$500 + daily fines
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2017 / Local Law 55 of 2004

Pest And Sanitation

Rodent infestation
What: Rats or mice in a building create unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Landlords must take immediate steps to remove rodents and prevent further infestations.
Deadline: 21 days
Penalties: $75–$500 daily
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2019

Cockroach infestation
What: Cockroaches pose a health risk and can spread disease. Any units or common areas affected must be treated promptly by the landlord.
Deadline: 21 days
Penalties: $75–$500 daily
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2019

Bedbug infestation
What: Bedbugs in apartments can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and distress. Landlords are responsible for extermination and preventing re-infestation.
Deadline: 21 days
Penalties: $75–$500 daily
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2019

Unsanitary trash/garbage
What: Garbage must be removed regularly and stored properly. Accumulated trash can attract pests and create hazardous conditions for tenants.
Deadline: Immediate to 30 days
Penalties: $50–$500 plus daily fines
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2021

Safety And Security

Missing window guards
What: Window guards must be installed in apartments where children under 11 live. Without them, there is a serious risk of falls from windows.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: $50–$150 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2045

Broken locks or doors
What: Locks must secure both individual units and building entrances. Non-functional doors or locks compromise tenant safety and violate housing regulations.
Deadline: 30 days
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2020

Blocked fire exits
What: Fire exits must remain clear and accessible at all times. Blocked exits put tenants at serious risk during emergencies.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: $50–$150 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2046

Non-functional fire safety equipment
What: Fire extinguishers, alarms, and sprinkler systems must be fully operational. Without working equipment, tenants face elevated risk of injury or death in case of fire.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: $50–$150 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2046

Unsafe stairs/railings
What: Stairs and railings must be structurally sound and free of defects. Broken or loose components increase the risk of falls and injuries.
Deadline: 30 days
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2032

Cracked walls or ceilings
What: Structural damage, including cracks in walls or ceilings, can indicate serious safety hazards. Landlords must repair these issues to prevent collapse or injury.
Deadline: 30–90 days
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2033

Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Missing smoke detectors
What: Smoke alarms must be installed and functional in all units. Missing detectors put tenants at risk of injury or death in the event of a fire.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: $50–$150 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2047

Missing carbon monoxide detectors
What: Carbon monoxide detectors are required to detect dangerous gas leaks. Without them, tenants are at risk of poisoning or death.
Deadline: Immediate
Penalties: $50–$150 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2047

Ventilation And HVAC

Broken HVAC system
What: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems must be functional to maintain safe indoor air quality. Non-working HVAC systems can cause extreme temperatures and health risks.
Deadline: Based on hazard severity
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2031

Inadequate ventilation
What: Apartments must have proper airflow in kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. Poor ventilation can lead to mold growth, humidity issues, and respiratory problems.
Deadline: Determined by inspector
Penalties: $25–$100 per day per violation
Code: New York City Housing Maintenance Code §27-2031

Violation Classes And Fines

Housing violations in New York City are grouped into three classes based on how dangerous they are.

• Class A violations are non-hazardous issues, like minor repairs, and usually must be fixed within 90 days.
• Class B violations are hazardous conditions, such as mold or broken locks, and generally must be corrected within 30 days.
• Class C violations are immediately dangerous, including no heat or hot water, and must be fixed right away.

Where To Report Violations

Tenants in New York City can report housing code violations to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development by calling 311, using the NYC 311 mobile application, or submitting a complaint online through the NYC 311 portal here.

Complaints may be made anonymously and can include issues such as lack of heat or hot water, mold, pests, leaks, unsafe conditions and other violations of the New York City Housing Maintenance Code.

After a complaint is filed, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development may inspect the property, issue violations to the owner and impose civil penalties if the conditions are not corrected.
For illegal construction, unlawful conversions or unsafe structural conditions, complaints may also be filed with the New York City Department of Buildings through 311 or directly here.