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How to Sue My Landlord for Unsafe Living Conditions?

Posted on July 3, 2024

Living in a rental property shouldn’t have to mean compromising on safety or tolerating unsafe living conditions. Under New York law, landlords have a legal duty to ensure that their properties are free from hazardous conditions that could lead to tenant injuries. This includes maintaining structural integrity, ensuring proper sanitation, and promptly addressing any reported defects or dangers. 

If you have been injured or adversely affected by unsafe conditions in your apartment, you do not have to face the situation alone. Legal recourse is available, and help is closer than you think. At Kucher Law Group, our experienced Brooklyn premises liability lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of tenants and can help you hold your landlord accountable for their negligence. Don’t suffer in silence—let our team assist you in recovering the damages you deserve. Call us today at (929) 563-6780 to schedule a free consultation, and start your journey towards a safer living environment.

In New York, every tenant has the right to a livable, safe, and clean apartment. This standard is part of what is legally referred to as the “warranty of habitability,” a fundamental right included in all rental agreements, whether explicitly stated or not. Importantly, this right cannot be waived; any lease provision that attempts to waive this right is considered unenforceable by the courts.

The warranty of habitability covers not only the private living spaces but also the common areas of the building, ensuring that all environments within the property meet basic living standards. Under the Housing Stability & Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA), this warranty was expanded to specifically include a duty for landlords to perform necessary repairs to maintain these standards.

Landlords are legally obligated to ensure that their properties remain habitable and safe at all times. This means that any condition that threatens the safety, health, or well-being of tenants must be addressed promptly by the property owner. If a landlord fails to uphold these duties, tenants have several recourses such as reporting the violations, requesting repairs, withholding rent, or, in severe cases, pursuing legal action to enforce their rights under the warranty of habitability.

Recognizing Common Types of Unsafe Living Conditions

Common types of unsafe living conditions in New York include but are not limited to:

  • Structural Dangers: Issues like sagging ceilings, crumbling walls, or unstable flooring, which directly threaten physical safety. Such structural problems often result from neglecting regular maintenance and repairs, putting tenants at risk of accidents.
  • Health Hazards: The presence of mold, lead paint, or pest infestations can lead to serious health issues. Exposure to these conditions can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, or other serious health complications, particularly in children and the elderly.
  • Lack of Essential Services: Inadequate access to water, heat during winter months, or electricity, which are considered essential services under New York housing laws. A failure to provide these basic services can significantly impair the quality of life and well-being of tenants.
  • Fire Safety Violations: Absence or malfunction of smoke detectors, blocked fire exits, or faulty wiring that increases the risk of fire. These violations not only endanger lives but also violate municipal codes that are designed to prevent fire incidents.
  • Security Issues: Broken locks on doors and windows or inadequate lighting in common areas that compromise tenant security. Poor security exposes tenants to potential break-ins and can lead to a feeling of unsafety among the residents.

Understanding these common issues can help tenants identify when their rights are being violated and what steps they can take to protect themselves, including notifying their landlord and, if necessary, taking legal action. This foundational knowledge is critical for tenants as they navigate their rights and responsibilities under New York law.

Type of Unsafe Living Condition Description
Structural Dangers Issues such as sagging ceilings, crumbling walls, or unstable flooring pose direct threats to physical safety due to neglecting maintenance.
Health Hazards Presence of mold, lead paint, or pest infestations can lead to serious health issues like respiratory problems or allergic reactions.
Lack of Essential Services Inadequate access to water, heat, or electricity, essential under New York housing laws, significantly impairs the quality of life for tenants.
Fire Safety Violations Absence or malfunction of smoke detectors, blocked fire exits, or faulty wiring increases the risk of fire and violates municipal codes.
Security Issues Broken locks or inadequate lighting in common areas compromise tenant security, exposing them to break-ins and creating a feeling of unsafety.

Documenting Unsafe Living Conditions

Proper documentation of unsafe living conditions is a critical step for tenants in New York who are considering legal action against their landlords for neglecting property maintenance and safety. This documentation not only serves as evidence in legal proceedings but also supports the tenant’s claims in negotiations or in requests for repairs. Below, key strategies for effectively documenting these conditions are discussed.

Conducting a Detailed Inspection of the Premises

Tenants should start by thoroughly inspecting their rental unit for any signs of unsafe conditions. This inspection should include all rooms, common areas, and any external parts of the property accessible to the tenant. During the inspection, it’s crucial to look for violations of New York housing codes such as structural damages, inadequate fire exits, or any hazards that could pose a risk to health and safety. It’s advisable for tenants to use a checklist based on local housing standards to ensure all potential issues are noted.

Taking Photographs and Videos as Evidence

Visual evidence is highly compelling in any legal context. Tenants should take clear photographs and videos of all observed unsafe conditions. These images or videos should be dated and include timestamps if possible, which can be automatically done with most smartphones and digital cameras. This visual documentation should cover wide angles to show the extent of the problem as well as close-up shots to detail specific dangers or damages. It’s also beneficial to have sequential images showing the progression of any deteriorating conditions over time.

Recording Dates and Descriptions of Unsafe Conditions

Alongside visual documentation, it is important for tenants to keep a written log of all unsafe conditions. This log should include detailed descriptions of each issue, the date it was first noticed, and any changes in the condition since it was first observed. This written record should also document any verbal or written communications with the landlord about these issues, including the dates of such communications and any responses received. This type of documentation can be crucial in demonstrating the landlord’s response time and overall responsiveness to the issues, which can influence legal proceedings under New York laws.

Communicating and Notifying the Landlord

Once unsafe living conditions are properly documented, the next crucial step is communicating these issues to the landlord. This communication must be handled methodically to ensure there is a formal record of the interaction, which can be important if the matter escalates to legal proceedings or requires intervention by local housing authorities in New York.

Sending a Written Notice to the Landlord

In New York, tenants are advised to formally notify their landlords of any unsafe conditions by sending a written notice. This notice should clearly describe each of the documented issues and the expected remedies. The letter should be specific, detailing the conditions that violate New York’s housing codes and suggesting a reasonable deadline for the repairs. It is recommended to send this notice via certified mail with a return receipt requested, or any other method that provides proof of delivery.

Keeping Records of All Correspondence

It is critical for tenants to maintain copies of all correspondence with their landlords regarding unsafe conditions. This includes the initial written notice, any follow-up communications, and responses from the landlord. These records should be organized chronologically and stored securely. In addition to hard copies, it may be beneficial to keep digital copies as backups. This comprehensive record-keeping will support the tenant’s claims should there be a need to escalate the issue to court or to the local housing authority, demonstrating a clear timeline of attempts to resolve the issue.

Requesting Repairs or Remediation

After notifying the landlord, the tenant should formally request repairs or remediation. This request can be included in the initial written notice or in subsequent communications if the landlord does not respond to the first notice. In New York, if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after being notified, tenants may have several options depending on the severity of the issues. These options include repairing and deducting the cost from rent, withholding rent until the issue is resolved, or in severe cases, calling in city inspectors who can issue violations to landlords under local housing codes.

HPD Violations and Landlord Responsibilities

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) categorizes violations into three main types based on their potential harm to tenants’ safety and well-being. Understanding these categories is essential for tenants and landlords alike to address issues promptly and avoid penalties.

Non-Hazardous Violations (Class A)

These are the least severe and include minor violations that don’t immediately affect tenants’ health and safety. Examples might include small leaks, minor mold issues, or peeling paint in non-lead areas. Landlords are given up to 90 days to correct these conditions. If these are not addressed within the specified timeframe, HPD can impose fines ranging from $10 to $50 per day until the violation is resolved.

Hazardous Violations (Class B)

These violations pose a more direct risk to tenants’ health or safety but are not considered emergencies. Examples include moderate mold and mildew issues, non-functioning second exits that are not the primary means of egress, or significant plumbing leaks. Landlords have 30 days to remedy these issues. Failure to comply can result in fines of $25 to $100, plus an additional $10 per day, accumulating until the repair is made.

Immediately Hazardous Violations (Class C)

These are the most severe violations that pose an immediate threat to tenants’ health and safety. Examples include lack of heat or hot water during the winter months, major electrical hazards, or significant structural dangers. These require immediate attention, with landlords needing to address these problems within 24 hours. For buildings with 5 or fewer units, the fines can be $50 per violation per day. In buildings with more than 5 units, HPD may impose fines ranging from $50 to $150 per violation, with an additional daily penalty of $125 until the issue is fixed.

Heat and Hot Water Violations

Specifically concerning heat and hot water, which are considered Class C violations during the heating season, landlords failing to provide these necessities can face steep fines ranging from $250 to $500 per day per violation. This reflects the critical nature of these services, especially during colder months.

Tenant Actions and Landlord Compliance

Tenants experiencing any of these violations should report them to HPD, which can be done online, via phone, or through the 311 service. The tenants must also provide their contact information. Once a complaint is lodged, HPD will typically conduct an inspection to verify the issue and classify the violation. It is crucial for landlords to respond promptly to these complaints and commence repairs to avoid accumulating fines and further endangering tenant welfare.

Initiating an HP Action

HP Actions represent a critical legal tool for tenants facing unresponsive landlords who fail to uphold the standards set by housing laws. This process not only ensures that necessary repairs are conducted and essential services are restored but also reinforces the legal obligations of landlords. Here’s a more detailed exploration of the process and considerations involved in filing an HP Action.

Here are the key steps to file an HP Action:

  • Going to the Clerk’s Office: At the Housing Court’s Clerk’s Office, tenants can obtain and fill out the necessary forms to file an HP Action. The clerks can assist in understanding the forms and guide on how to fill them out. 
  • Service of Process: After filing, the court will issue a summons to the landlord, officially notifying them of the HP Action. This process, known as the service of process, is crucial as it legally compels the landlord to respond to the allegations in court.
  • Court Proceedings and Follow-ups: During the court hearing, both parties present their evidence and arguments. If the judge decides in favor of the tenant, they will issue an order for the landlord to make the necessary repairs by a specific date. 

It’s important for tenants to follow up and ensure that the repairs are completed as ordered. If the landlord still fails to comply, tenants may need to return to court for further enforcement actions.

Going through the complexities of landlord-tenant law can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with injuries or other serious consequences of unsafe living conditions. Remember, you have rights and there are paths to justice. If your landlord’s negligence has compromised your safety resulting in injury, it’s not just about getting repairs done—it’s about holding them accountable for their actions and ensuring that your legal rights are fully protected.

Don’t let the negligence of a property owner diminish your quality of life or put your safety at risk. Kucher Law Group is here to support you through every step of the legal process, offering experienced guidance and strong representation to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today at (929) 563-6780 to schedule a free consultation, and let our team of skilled premises liability lawyers in New York help you make a strong case against your landlord. 

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