The NYC Landlord’s Guide to Understanding Local Law 55 Requirements

Local Law 55 of 2018, also known as the Asthma-Free Housing Act, might seem like an overwhelming responsibility on top of an already-full plate as a landlord or property manager in New York City.

However, it’s important to understand how to keep your property clear of indoor allergens that may cause or worsen asthma.

This guide will inform you of your lawfully required duties under Local Law 55.

Providing your tenants with the information they need to understand this ordinance, openly communicating your responsibilities, and proactively taking preventative measures will help you avoid Local Law 55 violations and maintain healthy, allergen-free conditions in your building.

If you’re looking for professional mold and pest experts in NYC to assist you with Local Law 55 compliance, contact Green Orchard Group for a free consultation.

What Is Local Law 55?

Local Law 55 was passed in January 2018 by the New York City Council to fight rising asthma rates and air quality concerns among NYC residents.

The law requires landlords or property owners of buildings with 3 or more apartments to proactively address and prevent common indoor health hazards that trigger asthma. These common indoor allergens include:

  • Mold
  • Rodents (Mice and Rats)
  • Cockroaches 

NYC landlords should be aware that Local Law 55 is actively enforced by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of Buildings (DOB). Failure to comply with the mandated requirements can result in costly violations and possible litigation.

A Green Orchard Group inspector examines under a sink for signs of pests and mold.

Investigate & Remediate Indoor Allergens

Under Local Law 55, building owners are expected to investigate and remediate issues related to mold and pests.

Landlords must proactively schedule investigations into pest and mold issues annually and keep a record of these inspections. In addition, they are also responsible for investigating the causes and conditions that may lead to mold growth and pest infestations.

Landlords must also provide tenants with a copy of the NYC Department of Health’s Local Law 55 Fact Sheet, as well as a notice with each tenant’s lease that clearly states the landlord and tenant’s separate responsibilities.

Pest Issues

When preventing and addressing pest concerns, landlords should use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods as much as possible.

This means correcting environmental conditions that allow pests to access food, water, and harborage within the building.

Mold Issues

Whenever mold must be removed, landlords should follow safe work practices and wear protective equipment.

If there is more than 10 square feet of mold in a building with 10 or more units, Local Law 55 requires the landlord to hire a New York State Department of Labor-licensed mold assessor and a New York State Department of Labor-licensed mold remediator.

A landlord and tenant discuss LL-55 violations that may be present in their building.

What Does Local Law 55 Require From Landlords?

#1 — Provide tenants with a copy of the NYC Department of Health’s fact sheet about Local Law 55: What Tenants Should Know About Indoor Allergens.

#2 — Schedule annual inspections of all units for indoor health hazards including mold, mice, rats, and cockroaches.

#3 — Ask tenants about any confirmed or suspected presence of mold or pests, and respond promptly to tenant complaints or requests for inspections.

#4 — Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.

  • REMOVE pest debris using a HEPA vacuum and steam cleaners.
  • SEAL structural openings such as cracks, crevices, and other potential pest entry points in the walls, floors, baseboards, ceilings, and around cabinetry, pipes, and appliances.
  • ATTACH door sweeps to cover gaps underneath any doors leading to hallways, basements, or outside.
  • REPAIR drains, faucets, or other plumbing issues that cause water to collect or leak.
  • PLACE sticky traps or insect monitoring devices.
  • COMMUNICATE findings to tenants or your local pest control company if pest treatment is required. Don’t apply pesticides yourself.

#5 — Remove indoor mold and repair any underlying conditions that cause mold.

  • REMOVE standing water or excessive moisture.
  • MOVE or COVER furniture with plastic sheeting.
  • LIMIT the spread of dust by sealing off openings and misting the moldy area with soap and water before cleaning.
  • CLEAN moldy areas with soap and water.
  • DRY the cleaned area completely.
  • DISPOSE of all cleaning-related waste in sealed plastic bags.
  • HIRE an NYS-licensed mold assessor and remediator if the amount of mold covers 10 or more square feet in a building with 10 or more apartments.

What Is the Purpose of Local Law 55?

  • IMPROVE building quality and indoor air quality
  • IMPROVE tenant satisfaction
  • REDUCE tenant complaints
  • REDUCE the presence of pesticides and asthma triggers like cockroaches and mice
  • PREVENT pest and mold-related damages to buildings
  • ENSURE effective, long-term pest control

Local Law 55 Violations & Penalties

This year, HPD and DOB are actively enforcing and Local Law 55, especially in response to tenant complaints. Notices of violations will be sent to registered building owners and landlords that have not fulfilled the requirements listed below.

You are required to correct any violations and file a certification of corrections form before the deadline given on the notice. Penalties can range from $10 to $125 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000 depending on the class and severity of the violation.

If you’ve recently received a mold violation from HPD, here’s how to properly correct and clear the mold violation.

Green Orchard Group team members inspect a home for LL-55 violations.

Professional Local Law 55 Services

Green Orchard Group is equipped to help you with both mold and pest issues to keep you in compliance with Local Law 55.

Our environmental health and safety professionals specialize in the inspection and remediation of indoor health concerns such as mold and pests.

Complete this form or call (212) 219-8261 to inquire about specific Local Law 55 services, including:

  • Local Law 55 Annual Inspections
  • Mold and Indoor Air Quality Inspections
  • Licensed Mold Assessment
  • Licensed Mold Remediation
  • Pest Inspections
  • Pest Proofing and Exclusion Services
  • Eco-Friendly Pest Treatment or Extermination

Contact Green Orchard Group