It used to be easy to be a small landlord in NYC. Not anymore!

If you own a three family property in New York, there are several local laws you must follow. These rules are designed to protect tenant safety, improve building conditions, and increase energy efficiency.

Many small landlords don’t realize these regulations apply to them until they receive a violation or fine. So today, I’m going to break down a few important laws and regulations you must know as a property owner in NYC.

1. Annual Building Registration – HPD

If your building has 3 or more residential units, you must register the property every year with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, also known as HPD.

This registration must include:

· The property owner’s contact information

· The managing agent

· The building superintendent if there are 9 or more units

Failing to register can result in violations and penalties, and it may also prevent you from bringing cases in housing court.

2. Lead Paint Law (Local Law 1 and 31)

Buildings built before 1960 with children under 6 years old living in the apartment must follow strict lead paint rules.

Owners are required to:

· Conduct annual inspections for lead hazards

· Fix peeling paint safely

· Use EPA-certified contractors for repairs

Local Law 31 of 2020 mandates XRF testing of all such units by August 9, 2025, to identify lead-based paint. Annual notices and inspection is required, including during tenant turnovers.

Failure to comply can lead to major fines and legal liability.

3. Gas Safety Inspections (Local Law 152)

Buildings with gas piping must complete a gas line inspection every 4 years.

A licensed plumber must inspect exposed gas piping and submit the report to the city.

If issues are found, the owner must:

· Repair the problem

· File certification with the Department of Buildings

Ignoring this requirement can lead to DOB violations and possible gas shutoffs.

4. Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors

Landlords must install and maintain:

· Smoke detectors

· Carbon monoxide detectors

These must be installed in every apartment and in common areas as required.

Tenants may be charged a small installation fee, but the owner is responsible for maintaining compliance.

5. Window Guard Requirements

If a tenant has children under 10, the landlord must install window guards when requested.

Owners must also send annual notices to tenants asking whether children live in the apartment.

6. Energy Efficiency Laws (Local Law 97)

For larger buildings (generally 25,000 sq ft or more), New York’s climate law requires owners to reduce carbon emissions. This may affect you if you own units in a larger building.

Buildings that exceed emission limits may face significant annual penalties.

This law is pushing many owners to upgrade:

· Boilers

· Insulation

· Windows

· Heating systems

Owning a multi-family property in New York can be a great investment, but compliance with local laws is critical.

Many violations happen simply because owners don’t know the rules.

If you own a 3-family or larger building and want guidance on property management, compliance, or selling your property, feel free to reach out. Amidst today's real estate environment, you deserve to have an expert on your side.

Questions?

Contact Aislyn Zhu 646-243-2821 for a free consultation