New Restrictions In Place For Landlords With Multiple Violations

NEW YORK CITY – New restrictions have been put in place for landlords who have multiple violations for unsafe or hazardous conditions, officials announced Wednesday.

Under the new measure, the Department of Buildings will be allowed to deny new construction permit applications for properties where landlords may be using poor building maintenance as a way to harass their tenants.

The Department of Buildings will create a list of dwellings in the city that have excessive, open or hazardous violations in relation to the number of residential units. The list will be updated daily.

The permit denials will be applied to buildings with 35 or more residential units and two or more violations for every unit; and buildings with fewer than 35 residential units and three or more violations for every unit.

Buildings that are placed on the list will not be allowed to get new permits until the violations are resolved and conditions are improved.

The permit restriction began Wednesday and applies to violations issued on or after Jan. 4, 2020.

City officials encourage residents to call 311 to report hazardous living conditions or unsafe construction conditions.

"Safe, livable, fair housing starts with accountability – and New York City will not let landlords take advantage of their tenants without consequences," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a prepared statement. "These restrictions will encourage faster and more thorough fixes to poor building maintenance. This city is proud to stand with tenants who deserve responsive management."