For years, the battle between NYC tenants and landlords over mold was a gray area. Tenants would complain about a musty smell, and landlords would often send a super to paint over the spot, only for the mold to return a month later.
In 2018, that changed. New York City passed Local Law 55, also known as the “Indoor Allergen Hazards Law.”
This legislation shifted the landscape entirely. It made it clear that mold is not just a cosmetic issue—it is a Class B or Class C hazard that landlords are legally required to address. Whether you are a property owner trying to stay compliant or a tenant wondering about your rights, here is what you need to know about Local Law 55.
What is Local Law 55?
Local Law 55 requires owners of buildings with 3 or more apartments to keep their tenants’ homes free of indoor allergen hazards. Specifically, it focuses on pests (mice, roaches) and mold, which are known triggers for asthma.
Under this law, landlords are no longer allowed to just react to complaints; they must be proactive.
The Landlord’s “To-Do” List
If you own a multiple-dwelling building in NYC, your obligations under Local Law 55 are strict:
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Annual Inspections: You are required to inspect every unit annually for indoor allergen hazards (mold and pests). You must also inspect every time a unit turns over to a new tenant.
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Fix the “Underlying Defect”: This is the most critical part of the law. You cannot simply clean the mold. You are legally required to find and repair the source of the moisture (the leak, the condensation, the broken pipe) that caused the mold in the first place.
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Safe Remediation: You cannot just send a handyman to scrape the mold off the wall. The law mandates “Safe Work Practices” to prevent spreading spores.
The “Safe Work Practices” Requirement
Local Law 55 specifies how mold must be removed. Landlords and their maintenance teams or contractors must:
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Contain the area: Use plastic sheeting to seal off the work zone.
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Use HEPA vacuums: To capture spores rather than blowing them around.
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Avoid dry scraping: Mold must be cleaned wet to keep spores from becoming airborne.
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Use licensed professionals: For larger projects, or if the landlord cannot perform the work safely, they must hire a NYS Licensed Mold Assessor and Mold Remediator.
What Does This Mean for Tenants?
If you are a tenant in a building with 3+ units, you have rights.
If you see mold (or even peeling paint indicative of a leak), you should notify your landlord immediately in writing. Under Local Law 55, once notified, the landlord has a specific timeframe to assess and correct the condition.
If the landlord fails to act, you can call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will send an inspector. If they find mold, they will issue a violation, and the landlord will face fines and be forced to remediate the issue under HPD supervision.
Why Landlords Should Hire Professionals
For landlords, Local Law 55 might feel like a burden, but it is actually an opportunity to protect your investment.
“Patch jobs” cost more in the long run. Painting over mold leads to rotting drywall, structural damage, and eventually, HPD violations and potential lawsuits.
By hiring a professional company like Choice Mold Removal NYC, you ensure compliance. We understand the specific documentation and methods required by HPD. We don’t just clean the wall; we identify the moisture source so you can fix it once and never deal with it again.
Stay Compliant with Choice Mold Removal
Navigating NYC building codes is complicated. Cleaning up mold shouldn’t be.
Whether you are a landlord who has received an HPD Notice of Violation or a property manager looking to perform your annual inspections, we can help.
Contact Choice Mold Removal NYC today for a consultation on Local Law 55 compliance and professional remediation services.