Housing

No family should have to choose between affordable and healthy housing. Safe, decent and sanitary housing prevents disease and injury.

This site presents indicators of the home environment such as presence of cracks or holes, leaks, mice or rats, and boarded up buildings. This information is collected by the US Census Bureau through the NYC Housing and Vacancy Survey which is completed every 3 years and the annual NYC Health Department Community Health Surveys.

• Report housing conditions such as peeling paint, water leaks, pest problems and mold to property owners. If landlords fail to fix the problems, NYC residents can call 311.
• Property owners are required by NYC law to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in residential units. Working detectors should be audible from any bedroom. Everyone should test their detectors and replace their batteries at least twice a year.
• Use household cleaning products safely. Choose the least toxic product for the job, follow product instructions, use products only for their intended purpose, and store and use chemicals away from children.
• Provide a smoke-free home and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Co-ops and condominium associations can organize to prevent smoking in outdoor common areas.
• Control pests safely and effectively. Avoid insect sprays, bombs and foggers. Owners must provide homes and buildings free of pests, and employ pest control that uses preventive measures - not just pesticides.
• Window guards should be installed on all windows in apartments with children under 11 years old. Tenants should inform the building's owner if there is a child under the age of 11 living in a home or if they would like a window guard installed. If landlords fail to install the required window guards, NYC residents can call 311.