Understanding Renter Rights in New York City
As a renter, you have a right to live in an environment that is habitable and free of hazards. If this is not the case and you have been injured or become ill due to poor apartment maintenance, our premises liability attorneys may be able to help you.
We will listen to your story and counsel you about your options for getting compensation. We have extensive experience assisting New Yorkers who are treated poorly by landlords.
We want to help you, too. Call 212-490-5700 today to schedule a free, no-risk consultation. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. When you hire us, you pay nothing upfront—you only pay us when we win.
Landlord Responsibilities to Ensure Safety
New York City law says that tenants have the right to live in safe, well-maintained buildings that are free from vermin, leaks, and hazardous conditions. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that individual apartments and common areas are free of dangers.
Landlords Must Ensure Regular Maintenance and Repairs
Landlords should perform regular maintenance on their rental properties. They should keep common areas clean and in good condition, replace burned-out lightbulbs, address elevator malfunctions, and make any repairs as needed.
Landlords should also make timely repairs to appliances, heating systems, and other equipment within tenant units.
Landlords Must Follow Building Codes
Local and state building codes are put in place for a reason: to help keep people safe. Landlords are obligated to follow them.
Buildings are required to have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed. There are also codes addressing proper ventilation, windows in apartments, and more.
If landlords don’t adhere to building codes, they can be held liable.
Landlords Must Address Hazardous Conditions
Landlords should inspect common areas for hazards. When hazards in individual apartments are brought to their attention, landlords must correct them.
If your landlord has not been attentive to safety and you or a loved one were injured, call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. at [IFBYPHONE] to learn how we can help.
Common Hazards Leading to Premises Liability Cases
Some of the common hazards that lead to claims include falls, elevator accidents, and exposure to toxic substances.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents at apartment buildings happen in numerous ways. These dangerous accidents can be due to:
- Spilled liquids in common areas or water leaks in common areas or units
- Floors that were just mopped with no safety cones or signs to warn
- Clutter left in common areas halls and walkways
- Torn carpeting in apartments
- Poor lighting in common areas and outside individual apartments
When landlords know about such issues, or should know, and don’t correct them, they can be liable for injuries.
Elevator and Staircase Accidents
Mechanical failures and a lack of property maintenance can cause elevator accidents. Types of accidents can include electrical shock from defective wiring, being caught in between doors, falls into shafts, and being trapped inside. Staircase accidents can occur if:
- Handrails are loose or broken
- Stairs are broken
- Stair surfaces are slippery, uneven or covered by worn and torn carpet
- There is inadequate lighting over stairways
Again, it is up to landlords to correct these problems to prevent accidents and injuries to tenants and visitors to apartment buildings. .
Toxic Substance Exposure
Tenants have the right to be free from exposure to toxic substances. Landlords are responsible for fixing lead paint hazards if there is a child 5-years-old or younger living in the home, or who visits for more than 10 hours a week.
If you have a leak or other issue causing mold in your living space, your landlord is responsible for cleaning the mold and fixing the issue causing it.
Lead, mold, asbestos, and other toxins can lead to lung and breathing problems, cancer, organ damage, and other health issues.
Steps Renters Should Take When Facing Hazards
You should notify your landlord of the hazard. There are steps to take if it is not fixed. They include the following:
Document Issues You Find in Your Apartment
Document your attempts to have the hazard fixed. Keep a file of all communications about the issue you’ve had with your landlord. Also, take photographs and/or video of the problem.
Report Hazards to Authorities
If hazards are not addressed, you can report the issues to authorities. You can report a variety of apartment maintenance complaints by calling 311. Learn more here.
Seek Legal Advice From a Premises Liability Lawyer in NYC
It is also helpful to get legal advice when facing a hazardous condition that is not being fixed. An attorney can assess your specific concerns and provide guidance on what to do next.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Renters in New York
There are several ways a personal injury lawyer can help renters with premises liability claims.
They Can Help Investigate Claims
Our attorney will investigate all the intricate facts for your specific case. We will compile the evidence to build a strong case.
Lawyers Can Guide You Through The Legal Processes
Filling out insurance paperwork and communicating with insurers is confusing and stressful.
We will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and their lawyers for you.
We Can Help You Seek the Maximum Compensation
Injuries and illnesses caused by poor living conditions can be ongoing. You may need medical care now and in the future.
You may also be unable to work, further affecting your financial situation. We will assess your total damages and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Tell Us What Happened
"*" indicates required fields
