In New York City, it’s difficult to maintain a building up to code. Thousands of residential structures are around the metropolis, and no two are alike. Elevator buildings, two-family residences, and mixed-use rentals all have various legal and code requirements.
You’ve undoubtedly spent some time as a condo/co-op board member pondering how to prevent local law breaches. We got you covered. We compiled a list of some of the most essential New York City municipal regulations for property owners.
Local Law 11
All external walls and appurtenances must be examined by a Qualified external Wall Inspector (QEWI) every five years on buildings taller than six stories, and a technical facade report must be electronically recorded.
Local Law 18
New York City passed Local Law 18, sometimes referred to as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law, on January 9, 2022. According to the ordinance, hosts of short-term rentals must register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE), and online travel agencies like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and others are not allowed to receive payments for unregistered short-term rentals.
The registration law requirements won’t be enforced by OSE until September 5, 2023. This indicates that, even though hosts and booking services are still subject to enforcement for violations of the laws and regulations governing short-term rentals, OSE will not issue violations or seek to impose fines or penalties in accordance with the registration law or the final adopted rules for conduct occurring before September 5, 2023.
Local Law 31
To do lead-based paint cleanup and XRF testing for the presence of lead-based in the unit, owners must hire an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified inspector or risk assessor. The inspection must be completed by Wednesday, August 9, 2025, or within one year if a kid under the age of six moves into the unit or spends 10 or more hours per week there, whichever comes first.
Local Law 55
This law requires that owners of buildings with three or more apartments keep their tenants’ apartments free of mold and pests. This includes safely fixing the conditions that cause these problems.
Local Law 69
Local Law 69 of 2017 requires all multiple dwelling property owners to collect the bed bug infestation history for each unit, including whether any extermination efforts were taken to address an infestation.
Local Law 76 & 77
Local Laws 76 and 77 of 2016 were enacted in New York City to improve gas safety. Local Law 76 requires the Department of Buildings to maintain a database of gas piping inspections, while Local Law 77 mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection notify the DOB whenever gas service is shut off due to safety concerns. Both laws aim to enhance oversight, coordination, and enforcement in response to past gas-related explosions.
Local Law 97
Local Law 97 is one of the most aggressive emission-reduction strategies in the country. Local Law 97 was included in the Climate Mobilization Act, which was enacted by the City Council in April 2019 as part of the Mayor’s Green New Deal for New York City.
Most buildings larger than 25,000 square feet will be required to satisfy new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limitations by 2024, with stronger limits taking effect in 2030. The objective is to cut emissions from the city’s major buildings by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The Local Ordinance 97 Advisory Board and Climate Working Groups were also formed under the ordinance to assist the city on how to effectively fulfill these tough targets.
With a few exceptions, Local Law 97 mainly covers:
- Buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet;
- Two or more structures totaling more than 50,000 square feet on the same tax lot;
- Two or more buildings owned by a condominium organization, administered by the same board of management, and totaling more than 50,000 square feet.
Local Law 111
The law requires all doors leading to apartments, hallways, and stairwells to be self-closing. It also requires property owners to inspect, test, and document any lead-based paint hazards in their buildings, including completing an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) test of all common areas in residential properties by August 1, 2025.
Local Law 126
Building owners must arrange inspections done by trained personnel, according to latest regulations. To guarantee that any essential repairs are completed on time, they must document their findings and submit them to the city. Failure to comply with these standards may result in large fines, highlighting the rule’s emphasis on safety and responsibility.
Furthermore, these inspections serve as a proactive approach to discover potential dangers and ensure the building’s general safety. Building owners may help create a safe environment for both inhabitants and visitors by emphasizing compliance with these standards.
Local Law 152
All buildings with gas piping systems—aside from single- and two-family residences and other structures included in Occupancy Group R-3—must have their gas piping systems examined by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) or a qualified person employed by an LMP. As per the schedule below, gas pipe systems need to be examined no less frequently than once every four years. The building’s Community District determines the precise year.
All buildings are subject to LL152 of 2016, with the exception of single- and double-family dwellings and other structures included in occupation group R-3. You are exempt from complying with LL152 of 2016 if your building falls under any of the following classification codes: A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, B1, B2, B3, B9, M3, M4, or N2.
Local Law 157
Local Law 157 is a New York City regulation requiring natural gas detectors to be installed in residential buildings, especially those with gas-powered appliances. The law was introduced to improve safety following incidents involving gas explosions. Its goal is to provide early warning of potential gas leaks. The final rule was issued on February 15, 2024, and buildings must comply by May 1, 2025.
Fire Safety
The FDNY Code now requires the distribution of several new fire safety and emergency preparedness documents, including the NYC Emergency Preparedness Guide, the Fire and Emergency Preparedness Annual Bulletin, and the Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Planning Checklist.
Under Local Law 115, “Close the Door” notices must be posted on the hallway side of all stairwell doors to remind residents to close doors during a fire.
Local Law 103 requires buildings to post hurricane evacuation notices that show the building’s current evacuation zone and provide instructions for finding the nearest evacuation centers.
Local Law 10 requires buildings to ensure a fire safety notice is installed on the inside of every apartment door. Any missing or damaged decals must be replaced. Buildings can comply by either inspecting each apartment to confirm the notice is installed or by obtaining a signed certification from residents confirming receipt and placement of the notice.