Resources

Per the Lead Disclosure Rule, landlords in New York State must tell tenants if the rental unit has any paint that has lead in it (called lead-based paint),
and about any lead-based paint hazards that the landlord knows about. This document explains what type of information must be disclosed, what types of housing are covered by this rule, and what are the consequences if a landlord does not disclose the required information.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs to my apartment? This document outlines what you can and cannot do when repairs are needed in your rental, including specific requirements for withholding rent.

In New York State, your landlord is required to keep your home a safe and decent place to live. This document describes tenants’ rights in New York when their apartment conditions are bad or uninhabitable, including if a tenant can withhold rent.

In New York State, every residential lease or rental agreement contains a guarantee that your landlord will rent out a safe place to live. This guarantee is called the Warranty of Habitability. A tenant may bring up the warranty of habitability in an eviction proceeding, or as a separate claim against the landlord.

This document explains what a warranty of habitability is and how tenants who experience conditions in their home that threaten their health and safety may use it as a defense in an eviction proceeding or how they can bring their own action to have a warranty of habitability hearing.

Winter can be rough in WNY, and with cold weather comes potential damages due to frozen pipes, furnace issues, and more! This document explains a tenant’s rights when they have are in need of cold weather-related repairs, as well as provides a list of phone numbers for local agency resources.

If there are things wrong with your apartment that may be dangerous to your health and safety, you may want to have your apartment inspected. This document describes when a tenant may want to contact the health department or a building inspector to have their apartment inspected and what is involved in such inspections. It also lists the local agency and department phone numbers for Western New York.