ABCs of Housing NYC – Free Download | Tenant & Landlord Rights Guide by HPD (Pdf file)

1. Overview and Purpose

The ABCs of Housing is an informational guide prepared by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). It explains the rights and responsibilities of both building owners and tenants, outlines common housing issues, and provides resources for enforcement, complaints, and assistance. The handbook is not legal advice but helps clarify housing rules, safety obligations, and tenant protections in New York City

2. Rights and Responsibilities

Building owners must provide safe, well-maintained apartments, including heat, hot water, lighting, pest control, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, and compliance with lead paint and window guard regulations. They must also post required signage, register their properties, and rent only legal units. Tenants, meanwhile, are entitled to habitable housing, free from harassment, and must maintain their apartments, respond to lead/window guard notices, and allow access for repair.

3. Safe Living Conditions

The guide details minimum housing standards: required heat during “heat season,” 24/7 hot water, properly installed detectors, safe locks, lead paint testing, mold and pest remediation, window guards, self-closing doors, gas leak safety, and elevator maintenance. It also addresses illegal basement/cellar rentals, which are often unsafe, and provides guidance on COVID-19 resources for residents.

4. Complaints, Violations, and Enforcement

Tenants can report unsafe conditions through 311. HPD inspects for issues like lack of heat, mold, pests, peeling paint, and missing safety devices. Violations are classified by severity (A: non-hazardous, B: hazardous, C: immediately hazardous). Owners face deadlines, civil penalties, or emergency repairs billed as liens if they fail to comply. Housing Court is available for enforcement, and programs like the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) and Proactive Preservation Initiative (PPI) target distressed buildings.

5. Harassment and Tenant Protections

Tenant harassment by owners—such as illegal lockouts, unjustified eviction notices, denial of services, or coercive buyout offers—is prohibited. HPD’s Anti-Harassment Unit and the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force investigate such complaints. Tenants in rent-regulated units also have protections under the state housing agency (HCR). Legal resources are provided for those seeking to initiate Housing Court cases.

6. Eviction Prevention and Housing Issues

The handbook emphasizes that eviction can only occur through Housing Court. It outlines procedures for non-payment and holdover evictions, and directs tenants to free legal services, rent arrears assistance, and programs like HOMEBASE to prevent homelessness. It also covers rent regulation, tenant data privacy laws for buildings using “smart access” systems, the importance of Certificates of Occupancy, building safety, emergency evacuation planning, anti-discrimination protections, foreclosure resources, and tenant associations

7. Education and Resources

HPD provides housing education through free classes on topics like mold, pests, lead paint, and code compliance. Affordable housing seekers can apply through Housing Connect, and programs like rent increase exemptions are available for seniors and people with disabilities. Owners can access low-interest loans, tax exemptions, and homeowner help. The document concludes with key contact information, resources for legal help, and reminders about required building postings

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