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Repair / habitability notice

To: Your landlord (cc HPD if escalating)

Deadline / timing: "Reasonable time" after notice (case law: 30 days for non-emergency; immediately for heat/hot water/safety)

How to file →

Your first letter is free. No card, no signup. We will send you to a free preview where you can copy or download.

Tell us what happened

We ask only what we need to write the right letter. About 30 seconds.

Your full name *

Your email (for receipt)

Your phone

Building address *

Apartment number *

Landlord or managing agent name *

Landlord / managing agent address *

Describe the conditions in detail *

List each defect, where in the apartment, and how long you've lived with it. Be specific.

When did you first tell the landlord about this?

Date of first verbal, text, email, or letter notice (if any).

How did you previously notify them?

List each prior text, email, or call with dates if you remember.

Have you taken photos / videos of the conditions?

Open HPD violation numbers (if you have them from HPDONLINE)

Optional. Visit hpdonline.nyc.gov to search.

Vulnerable household members?

Children under 6 (lead paint!), elderly, asthma, pregnant. Optional but powerful.

Free preview before any payment.

What this letter will cite

NY RPL § 235-b — Implied in every residential lease in NY: premises fit for human habitation, no conditions dangerous to life/health/safety. Cannot be waived.
NYC Admin Code § 27-2005 — Owner must keep the premises (including all common areas) in good repair and free of dangers, vermin, and code violations.
NYC Admin Code § 27-2009 — Heat season Oct 1 – May 31: 68°F day (6 AM–10 PM) when outside <55°F; 62°F night (10 PM–6 AM). Hot water 120°F year-round, 24/7.
NYC Admin Code § 27-2017 — Owner must eradicate rodents, roaches, bedbugs, and other pests; bedbug filings to HPD (Local Law 69 of 2017) are mandatory.
NY MDL § 78 — Owner of a multiple dwelling shall keep it in good repair. Statewide statutory underpinning of the warranty.
28 RCNY Ch. 17 — HPD inspection process; classification of violations as A (non-hazardous), B (hazardous), C (immediately hazardous).

Tenant Defender is research and self-help. Not legal advice. For complex eviction or harassment cases, contact a NY tenant attorney or Met Council on Housing (311 → tenant rights).