Tenants
“Landlords cannot harass, retaliate against or seek to evict tenants solely because they make good faith complaints to a government agency about violations of any health or safety laws.” Real Property Law §223-b
As a renter, you are entitled to safe and healthy housing. If you are renting a property built before 1978 , your landlord must provide you with information about identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards. Landlords are required to notify a tenant if the property is known to contain lead paint.
If renovations, repainting, or repairs are being done on a rental property built before 1978:
- Landlords and contractors must give tenants advance notice.
- Landlords must document you have been notified. You may be asked to sign a pre-renovation form.
- Contractors must be certified to use lead-safe work practices.
- Plan to keep children out of the house any time painted surfaces are being worked on.
- Read the “Renovate Right” brochure for more information.
If you rent an older home that has peeling or chipping paint, you may be eligible for a FREE home lead inspection. Even if lead paint is found during the inspection, you must still pay your rent.
Resources:
- New York State Tenants Rights Guide
- Tenants’ Rights: A Handbook for Syracuse Tenants
- CNY Legal Helpline – 1-877-777-6152
More information is available by calling the Onondaga County Lead Poisoning Control Program at 315.435.3271 and by visiting our resources page.