N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2056.22
Owner’s responsibility to inspect steam radiators (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. At least once every 2 years, the owner of a covered multiple dwelling shall cause an inspection to be conducted of all steam radiators located in all covered dwelling units and common areas within the covered multiple dwelling. b. When conducting an inspection pursuant to subdivision a of this section, the inspector shall inspect each component of the steam radiator to determine if it is in safe operating condition, in conjunction with any inspection requirements established by department rulemaking. A visual inspection shall also be performed for indicators of possible defects or damage of the steam radiator, including, but not limited to, leaking water, browning floors or walls, signs of corrosion on the steam radiator or its surrounding surfaces, or any other evidence of water damage. c. If an inspection reveals a defect or damage of a steam radiator, the inspector shall notify the tenant, the owner, and the department within 48 hours. The owner shall correct such defect or damage within 14 days of the inspection. If an inspection reveals that any steam radiator is in a condition that is likely to be hazardous to life or safety, the owner shall take the steam radiator out of service within 24 hours of such inspection and must repair or replace the steam radiator within 7 days of the inspection. d. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, nothing herein shall be construed to alter existing or future agreements which allocate responsibility for compliance with the provisions of this article between a tenant shareholder and a cooperative corporation or between the owner of a condominium unit and the board of managers of such condominium. e. The provisions of this article shall not apply to a covered dwelling unit in a covered multiple dwelling where (i) title to such multiple dwelling is held by a cooperative housing corporation or such dwelling unit is owned as a condominium unit, and (ii) such dwelling unit is occupied by the shareholder of record on the proprietary lease for such dwelling unit or the owner of record of such condominium unit, as is applicable, or the shareholder’s or record owner’s family. (L.L. 2025/151, 11/8/2025, eff. 5/7/2026)
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 27-2056.22, owners of covered multiple dwellings are required to have all steam radiators in dwelling units and common areas professionally inspected at least once every two years. Inspectors must evaluate each radiator component for safe operation and look for visible signs of damage such as leaks, corrosion, or water staining. When defects are found, the owner must correct them within 14 days; if a radiator poses a hazard to life or safety, it must be taken out of service within 24 hours and repaired or replaced within 7 days. Cooperative and condominium units occupied by their shareholder or owner of record are generally exempt from this requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners of covered multiple dwellings subject to N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 27-2056.22 generally maintain a documented inspection schedule ensuring every steam radiator—in both individual units and common areas—is examined by a qualified inspector at least once every two years. Compliant operators keep records of each inspection, including the inspector's findings on component condition and any visual indicators of damage such as leaking water, corrosion, or browning surfaces. When an inspection uncovers a defect, operators typically notify the tenant, the building department, and themselves within 48 hours as required, then move promptly to complete repairs within the applicable 14-day or, for hazardous conditions, 7-day window.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 27-2056.22 gives tenants in covered multiple dwellings the right to have their steam radiators inspected at least once every two years, with the owner bearing responsibility for scheduling and funding those inspections. If an inspector finds a defect or hazardous condition, the law requires that you be notified within 48 hours and that the owner make repairs on a strict timeline. Tenants who believe an owner is not complying with these inspection or repair obligations may consider filing a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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