Healthy Homes Resources for New York City Families

Housing issues like water leaks, mold, and pests are common for families in New York City homes.
These issues can impact the health of people living in the home.
There are resources available for families to address these problems.

How do I ask my landlord to fix things in my home?

In New York City, landlords must keep homes safe and in good shape. This means they must do things like:

  • Provide heat and hot water
  • Fix leaks, cracks, and holes
  • Keep plumbing and electrical systems working
  • Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed near sleeping areas
  • Install window guards when a child under age 10 lives in the home
  • Fix damaged floors, peeling paint, broken windows

Small problems can turn into big ones if they are not fixed. It is important to report issues as soon as possible.

Cockroaches and mice are common in NYC homes. They can enter through small cracks, holes, or gaps under doors. Pests are attracted to food crumbs and water leaks.

Pests can make asthma and allergies worse. To get rid of pests safely, the problems that attract them—like leaks and clutter—must be fixed.

Tips for safer pest control (NYC Rx for Prevention).

For information on how to deal with pests in your NYC home:

Mold is common outdoors, but too much moisture indoors can cause mold to grow inside your home. Leaks, floods, or poor ventilation can lead to mold problems.

Mold can make asthma and allergies worse. To fix mold, the water problem causing it—such as a leaky pipe—must be repaired.

Tips for addressing mold (NYC Rx for Prevention).

For information on how to deal with water leaks and mold in your NYC home:

Use these trusted city and nonprofit resources to get help.

NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

HPD enforces the NYC Housing Maintenance Code. You can report unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions—such as mold, pests, or leaks—by calling 311 or using the online form.

  • NYC HPD ABC’s of Housing: Explains tenant and owner rights and responsibilities
  • HPD Online: Look up building complaints, violations, and other records by entering your address (HPD Online)

Unsafe Repairs or Renovations

To report unsafe repairs or renovations that may create lead dust, contact 311. A Health Department inspector can stop the work and require safe cleanup.

Local Law 55 of 2018 (Asthma-Free Housing Act)

This law requires landlords to help keep homes free of mold and pests. Landlords must safely fix the problems that cause these issues. Tenants also help by keeping homes clean and reporting problems.

311

If your landlord does not fix problems, call 311 or use the online form. You can report issues like:

  • No heat or hot water
  • Mold or pests
  • Safety concerns
  • Peeling paint or poor maintenance

JustFix

JustFix.org offers free tools to help renters:

  • Document housing problems
  • Send letters to landlords (with free certified mail)
  • Learn about tenant rights
  • Look up information about buildings and landlords

If your child has asthma, see the section below for more help.

These resources are for people who live in NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) buildings.

NYCHA tenants can request repairs in several ways:

  • Use the MyNYCHA app
  • Call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 (24/7)
  • Visit a walk-in center Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm

Learn more about the NYCHA repair policies and processes.

Our flowcharts provide an overview of how to request mold remediation and pest control.

Mold and Leak Ombudsperson Call Center

If repairs are not completed properly or on time, call 1-888-341-7152 or submit a complaint online.

NYCHA Pest Management Program

NYCHA provides pest control services for tenants.

Smoke-Free Public Housing

Smoking tobacco or marijuana is not allowed:

  • Inside NYCHA apartments
  • In indoor common areas
  • Within 25 feet of NYCHA buildings

Smoking in these areas breaks the lease.

Vaping is not allowed in common indoor areas of the building.

Learn more here.

JustFix.org tools are also available for NYCHA tenants.

You can report a problem in your shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Complaints can include problems with:

  • Heat, hot water, and electricity
  • Pests and other unsanitary conditions
  • General repairs and maintenance
  • Shelter staff behavior
  • Missing property

It is best to discuss your complaint with the staff at your shelter first. If it needs immediate attention, you should go to the Security Desk at your shelter.

Contact the Shelter Repair Squad via 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675). Complaints can only be made by phone.

NYC families of children with asthma may qualify for extra support.

Children with asthma and allergies are more sensitive to things like dust, mold, pests, and strong smells. Learn more here.

NYC Department of Health Asthma Centers

NYC Department of Health Healthy Neighborhoods Program

This free program offers home inspections for families with children who have asthma. It helps find triggers like mold and pests and connects families to support. Families living in rentals, public housing, and shelters are eligible. Ask your child’s asthma doctor for a referral.

Doctors for Asthma Integrated Pest Management (DOC AIM)

Provides free pest management services for children and young adults (ages 0–21) with asthma who meet eligibility rules. Ask your child’s doctor for a referral.

Social Care Networks

Families with Medicaid may qualify for help with housing-related health needs:

Community Organizations

Learn More About Asthma

These tips are quick actions you can take right now for healthier indoor air.

Repairs can take time. While you wait, there are simple things you can do to make your home safer and improve air quality:

  • Wet dust and wet mop often to remove dust
  • Use gentler cleaning products
  • Open windows to let in fresh air when possible
  • Reduce pollution sources in your home
  • Do not allow smoking indoors. If you smoke, visit nyssmokefree.com for free help
  • Avoid air fresheners, candles, and harsh cleaners
  • Choose “low-VOC” products, such as certain paints
  • Use an exhaust fan when cooking with a gas stove
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly

NYC landlords must install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. If you do not have them, or they do not work, contact your landlord or 311.

NYC residents can also request a free smoke alarm installation.

If a child under age 10 lives in your home, make sure window guards are installed. If they are missing or broken, contact 311.

Helpful guides: