Do landlords really paint every 3 years?

We are longtime landlords, but aren’t that experienced with longtime renters. Seems like the current market has folks staying put, which brings us to this question:

We know that NYC law is clear–paint occupied apts every 3 years. But in practice, who does this? It’s an enormous hassle to current tenants, and typically very unnecessary (and environmentally unsound).

curiositykilledthecat

in General Discussion 9 years and 3 months ago

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martinlbrooklyn | 9 years and 3 months ago

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As usual, the worst case possible is envisioned by strict law. We have 3units for rent. We negotiate painting; commonsense and necessity always prevail. We limit the painting to a kind of white . The apartments look great and well cared for. The paint lasts and lasts. Only problem is when picture hooks are used. Now, we try to convince the tenants to use the new 3M sticky(but removable)hooks. A break through invention.

boredatwork | 9 years and 3 months ago

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Here is the law, and it only applies to multiple dwellings with three or more units. The language is certainly vague for other units given that it is “as necessary,” a totally subjective standard.

It seems if a tenant in a 3+ unit demanded it be painted, he/she could make an attempt to force the landlord to do so, but then the landlord could chose not to renew this tenant’s lease.

4. Am I entitled to have my apartment painted?
Yes, the landlord must paint occupied apartments in multiple dwellings (buildings with three or more apartments) every three years. (NYC Administrative Code §27-2013). Tenant occupied apartments in private dwellings are also required to be painted as necessary.

Here is the full link to Tenants’ Rights from HPD:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/renters/tenants-rights.page