Whether you’re hunting for a new unit to rent or are a long-term resident of a New York City apartment, pest control is a concern for many tenants living in the city. New York is near the top of the list of the most pest-infested cities in the United States, with 15% of residential areas reporting rodent and cockroach infestations in 2015. As a tenant, you have a right to a livable and hazard-free living space, and your landlord is subject to a duty of care under the law and per your lease agreement.
Pest Control Responsibilities for New York Landlords
The Housing Stability & Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (HSTPA) cites that the warrant of habitability—your right to a livable, clean apartment—includes the landlord’s duty to make repairs and is also applicable to public areas of an apartment building. New York City landlords are subject to the following responsibilities:
- Conducting a yearly inspection of their property to check for the presence of indoor allergen hazards, which include rodents, mold, and cockroaches
- Presenting tenants with a copy of their lease agreement, the Local Law 55 fact sheet, as well as a notice that states the landlord’s intention to keep the property pest-free
- Remediate any reported infestations via Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Integrated Pest Management as pest-control methods that incorporate effective and environmentally friendly practices to remediate infestations and while avoiding potential damages to people, the property, and the environment. This includes the removal of pest waste, nests, and debris.
Pest Prevention Expectations
In accordance with pest control, landlords are expected to seal all points of entry for mice, rats, cockroaches, bed bugs, and other pests. Pesticides must be used by a professional with a license from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Bring Your Premises Liability Claim to Leav & Steinberg
Pests aren’t just pests—they’re a health hazard. If your landlord has failed to implement pest control methods as outlined by the HSTPA and you’ve become ill due to exposure to pest waste or other hazards, contact the lawyers at Leav & Steinberg LLP to discuss your premises liability claim. Our expertise has helped us recover millions in compensation in previous cases throughout New York City and the surrounding areas, and each of our clients is assigned a legal team that includes a paralegal and lawyer who will work diligently in their best interest. Request a free consultation today to discuss your claim with our team.
