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Is landlord responsible to keep apt. cockroach-free?

NYC Rent Regulation: Rent Control/Rent Stabilized, DHCR Practice/Procedures

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Is landlord responsible to keep apt. cockroach-free?

Postby sr77 » Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:43 pm

What requirements, if any, does a landlord of a rent-stabilized apartment have regarding keeping the apartment free of cockroaches?

In particular, if a monthly visit from an extermination service* doesn't get rid of them, is the landlord obligated to provide more aggressive service?

Thanks.

* i.e., delivery of just a quick 'spray' service lasting less than a minute
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Re: Is landlord responsible to keep apt. cockroach-free?

Postby TenantNet » Sat Apr 08, 2017 12:24 am

LLs are required to keep apartments free of vermin (which includes roaches). That's part of the Warranty of Habitability Law (https://goo.gl/QYM0aC)

Yes, more aggressive methods might be required. But a court might not see it that way. And it's almost impossible to prove one way or the other.

At one time or another most NYers have experienced roaches. It's a fact of life. The reality is that much of what occurs can be controlled by the tenant. And that mostly involves cleanliness. No amount of spray or other methods will get rid of roaches if the unit is not properly cleaned.

Also important is the cleanliness of nearby apartments as roaches love to visit neighbors.

One method that seems somewhat effective is boric acid (powder). But don't use it if you have young children or pets.

But I would get out the soap and water and start scrubbing every surface starting with the kitchen. Put foods in airtight plastic containers - even food in unopened boxes. Look for evidence of roaches, eggs or droppings and get very aggressive. Sprays can help but won't clear out infections.
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