Housing code violations can lead to landlord-tenant litigation in Nassau County. Landlords have a duty to maintain rental property in a safe condition, and tenants have a right to a habitable living space. Our law firm handles all types of landlord-tenant disputes related to housing code violations, including habitability issues, property maintenance, and unpaid rent due to repair disputes.
Our lawyers at Kohan Law Group, P.C. have decades of combined experience handling real estate matters. We assist landlords and tenants in all types of landlord-tenant disputes.
Call Kohan Law Group, P.C. to schedule a consultation with our Nassau County landlord-tenant litigation attorneys to discuss your situation.
How Kohan Law Group, P.C. Can Help You With a Tenant Claim for Uninhabitable Living Conditions in Nassau County, NY
New York’s housing codes are designed to reduce the risks of deaths, illnesses, and injuries when property owners fail to take steps to protect tenants. Housing code violations can result in liability for the property owner if the violations are responsible for a tenant or other person being injured on the property.
Our lawyers at Kohan Law Group, P.C. understand New York’s housing codes and the laws governing claims for damages and injuries. When you hire our top-rated Nassau County landlord-tenant attorneys, we will help you by:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations of housing code violations and living conditions
- Determine if the landlord or property owner violated housing codes and how the violations impacted the tenants
- Identify all parties responsible for the housing code violation
- Document damages to determine how much a claim is worth
- Negotiate a fair settlement to avoid prolonged litigation
- Hire the best experts in their fields to assist in proving your claim
- File a lawsuit and litigate the claim in court if a settlement is not possible
Our landlord-tenant lawyers at Kohan Law Group, P.C. have top ratings and recognition from numerous legal organizations. Our attorneys are included as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in New York. We are included in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 list and Lead Counsel Verified.
Contact our office to schedule an appointment with an experienced Nassau County landlord-tenant litigation attorney to discuss your legal options regarding housing code violations at a rental unit.
Common Building Code Violations in Nassau County, NY
Building and housing codes set the requirements that buildings must meet to be safe and habitable. Housing codes set the standards for ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating, fire, and other systems. The rules and regulations also set the standards for structural integrity, building materials, and other construction requirements.
Common violations of housing codes include, but are not limited to:
- Inadequate lighting in common areas
- Failing to maintain sidewalks and walkways
- Unsafe construction practices
- Exposure to dangerous substances, including lead paint and asbestos
- Unsafe or dangerous electrical wiring
- Faulty equipment and appliances
- Rat, animal, and bug infestations
- Growth of dangerous mold
- Improperly constructed railings and balconies
- Broken elevators and stairs
- Uneven and/or damaged flooring and floor surfaces
- Lack of accommodations for disabled residents and visitors
- Improper means of egress
- Drainage problems that cause water to pool and ice to form
- Absence of working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and alarms
- Lack of property venting
- Noncompliant or faulty sprinkler systems
The above examples and other housing code violations can pose a significant danger to tenants and visitors. Violations are not always noticeable without an inspection. Many housing code violations are discovered after an accident or other event injures or kills someone.
What Happens if a Housing Code Violation Causes Someone to Be Injured in a Rental Property in Nassau County, NY?
When a tenant or other person is injured because of a housing code violation, the landlord may be held responsible for damages. In addition to the landlord, the property owner and management company could also be liable. Depending on the circumstances, an engineer, builder, or contractor could be liable if they violated housing codes when building the structure.
New York premises liability laws hold landlords responsible for injuries and damages when they fail to provide a safe environment. Proving a housing code violation caused an unsafe condition on the property helps establish liability for injuries and damages suffered by a tenant. An injured tenant could seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
A tenant should gather evidence of the unsafe conditions by photographing and making a video of the premises. They should also notify their landlord in writing of the unsafe condition and document all communication with the landlord. If the landlord fails to correct the situation within a reasonable period, a tenant can contact a Nassau County landlord-tenant litigation lawyer to discuss legal options for pursuing compensation.
Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for Uninhabitable Premises
Any condition that results in the premises being unhealthy, hazardous, or unsafe can render a property uninhabitable, including housing code violations. Landlords have a legal duty to maintain rental property in a habitable condition for tenants. The duty includes the living area for each tenant, hallways, stairs, courtyards, lobbies, and all other common areas.
Tenants also have a duty to maintain the premises they rent. However, should housing code violations render a property uninhabitable, the tenant may have several legal remedies they can exercise. For example, the tenant can legally terminate the lease agreement and request that their security deposit be returned. Because the premises are unsafe, the landlord cannot impose penalties for early termination of the lease agreement.
If your property has become dangerous, gather evidence proving the conditions that make the residence uninhabitable. Evidence can help prove your innocence if the landlord tries to blame you for causing the conditions. An attorney can help you explore your legal options for filing complaints with government agencies and/or filing lawsuits against landlords for violating landlord-tenant laws.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Nassau County Landlord-Tenant Litigation Attorneys
At Kohan Law Group, P.C., our legal team works with landlords and tenants to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. However, our seasoned trial lawyers are prepared to take cases to court when negotiations fail. Call Kohan Law Group, P.C. to speak with one of our Nassau County landlord-tenant litigation attorneys about your situation.