Housing

About Housing Quality

No family should have to choose between affordable and healthy housing. All tenants are entitled to safe, decent and sanitary housing, which prevents disease and injury.

In New York City, substandard or poor housing tends to cluster in neighborhoods. Homes that are deteriorating or dilapidated, or homes near buildings with broken or boarded-up windows, disproportionately tend to be in low-income neighborhoods, although the differences for these indicators have decreased.

Housing and Health

Housing quality impacts health directly and indirectly.

Cracks, holes, plumbing disrepair, peeling paint and other housing maintenance deficiencies are associated with:

Increase likelihood of pest infestations, which can worsen asthma
Exposure to lead where lead paint is present, which may cause serious health problems
Promotion of mold growth, which may cause allergic reactions

Additionally, occupants' or landlords' efforts to control these conditions through the use of hazardous chemical products can increase the risk of poisoning in the home. Disrepair may also cause injuries, including slips and falls, scalding and electrical shocks.

To Reduce Health Risks

All building owners are required by law to provide essential services such as heat and hot water, make timely repairs, and maintain a pest-free building.

If you are a tenant:

Report housing conditions such as peeling paint, water leaks, pest problems and mold to property owners. If landlords fail to fix the problems, call 311.
Use household cleaning products safely.
Provide a smoke-free home and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
Inform the building’s owner to have window guards installed if there is a child under the age of 11 living in a home. If landlords fail to install the required window guards, call 311.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries at least twice a year.

If you are a homeowner or a landlord:

Property owners are required by NYC law to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in residential units. Working detectors should be audible from any bedroom.
Owners must provide homes and buildings free of pests, and employ pest control that uses preventive measures — not just pesticides.

For more information, visit the Housing Rules and Regulations page for NYC Owners and Tenants.