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What are my legal obligations as a landlord in New York City?

As a landlord in New York City, you have certain legal obligations to your tenants. These obligations are set forth in New York State and City laws and regulations. Some of the key legal obligations as a landlord in New York City include:

  1. Providing and maintaining a safe and habitable property: As a landlord, you are required to provide a safe and habitable property for your tenants. This includes ensuring that the property meets all building and housing codes, is free from hazards, and has working plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems.
  2. Disclosing lead paint hazards: If your building was built before 1978, you are required to provide tenants with a lead paint disclosure form and lead paint hazard information pamphlet. You must also conduct an annual visual inspection of all painted surfaces in the unit to determine whether there is any peeling, chipping or flaking paint.
  3. Providing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: You are required to install and maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all dwelling units.
  4. Providing rent receipts: You must provide tenants with a receipt for any rent payment made in cash.
  5. Giving notice of rent increases: In New York City, you are required to provide 30 days' notice to tenants before raising their rent.
  6. Providing notice before entering a tenant’s unit: Unless there is an emergency, you must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a tenant’s unit.

These are just a few of the key legal obligations that you have as a landlord in New York City. There are many other laws and regulations that apply, and it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that you are complying with all applicable legal requirements. It is also important to note that failure to comply with these legal obligations can result in fines, penalties, and even lawsuits brought by tenants.