N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2017.1
Owners' responsibility to remediate (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
The existence of an indoor allergen hazard in any dwelling unit in a multiple dwelling is hereby declared to constitute a condition dangerous to health. An owner of a dwelling shall keep the premises free from pests and other indoor allergen hazards and from any condition conducive to indoor allergen hazards, and shall prevent the reasonably foreseeable occurrence of such a conditions and shall expeditiously remediate such conditions and any underlying defect, when such underlying defect exists, consistent with section 27-2017.8 and the rules promulgated pursuant to section 27-2017.9 . (L.L. 2018/055, 1/19/2018, eff. 1/19/2019; Am. L.L. 2019/051, 3/16/2019, retro. eff. 1/19/2019)
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 27-2017.1, the presence of indoor allergen hazards—such as pests and conditions that promote their growth—in a multiple dwelling is legally classified as a condition dangerous to health. The law places the responsibility for keeping dwelling units free of these hazards squarely on the building owner, not the tenant. Owners are required not only to address existing hazards and any underlying defects that cause them, but also to take steps to prevent hazards that are reasonably foreseeable.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 27-2017.1, compliant building operators generally maintain a proactive pest-management program that addresses both active infestations and the structural or sanitary conditions that make infestations likely. When a hazard is identified, operators typically remediate it promptly and repair any underlying defect—such as a gap, leak, or moisture problem—in accordance with the standards set out in § 27-2017.8 and the rules issued under § 27-2017.9. Keeping documentation of inspections, remediation work, and repairs is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 27-2017.1 establishes that tenants in multiple dwellings have a legal right to live in a unit free from indoor allergen hazards, with the owner bearing the duty to prevent, address, and remediate those hazards and their root causes. Tenants who observe pest activity or related conditions may report them to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which enforces housing maintenance standards. Tenants may also raise an owner's failure to comply with § 27-2017.1 as a basis for a housing court proceeding or may consult a tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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