Local Law 55 – Mold Violations

The Asthma-free Housing Act, otherwise known as Local Law 55, was implemented on January 19, 2018. It requires property owners of buildings with three or more apartments in NYC to investigate and remove mold and pests. This includes safely fixing the conditions that cause these problems.

Any New York City landlords who fail to properly address the presence of mold (or other contaminants) can receive a mold violation from the city.

Landlord Requirements for Local Law 55

• Landlords are required to maintain these standards by applying ongoing effort to keep their properties free of health hazards. This means organizing consistent inspections and taking action when results come back positive for indoor contaminants.
• Landlords must also inspect every apartment and the building’s common areas for mold and the conditions that lead to mold at least once a year and more often if necessary, as well as respond to tenant complaints or requests for an inspection.
• Remove any standing water, and fix leaks or moisture conditions.
• If you are a NYC landlord and your multiple dwelling has 10 or more units AND a “Class B” or “Class C” violation was issued, you are required to hire a New York State (NYS) licensed mold assessment company and a NYS licensed mold remediation company.
• To clean 10 or more square feet of mold in a building with 10 or more apartments, landlords must use a New York State Department of Labor–licensed mold assessor and remediator.SBG Environmental welcomes the opportunity to work with landlords to keep these homes and properties healthy and safe. If you are a New York City landlord, contact us to discuss inspections, and remediation packages to keep your property in tip-top shape, avoid mold violations, or address any existing mold violations due to Local Law 55. We offer yearly inspection packages to keep New York City landlords up-to-date with Local Law 55 requirements.