safety

An image of the top of a brick New York City apartment building, including its parapet.
Design + Architecture
Parapet inspections: What NYC boards and building owners need to know about Local Law 126
By Celia Young |May 2, 2025 - 9:30AM
Brownstone ground floor apartment
Affordable Housing
Signs that a NYC basement apartment is a safe and legal rental
By Jennifer White Karp |March 10, 2025 - 9:30AM
faucet with hand of woman in kitchen for cleaning, drinking and washing dishes. Interior, steel and household plumbing with sink and tap at home for stream, flowing and splash
Troubleshooting
I used NYC’s free program to test my apartment’s drinking water for lead. Here’s how you can too
By Celia Young |March 5, 2025 - 3:30PM
Broken sidewalk along Eighth Avenue in Brooklyn
Troubleshooting
Who is responsible for repairing a NYC sidewalk damaged by tree roots?
By Jennifer White Karp |May 13, 2024 - 2:00PM
Lower Manhattan skyline and Chinatown
Troubleshooting
Do New Yorkers need earthquake insurance?
By Jennifer White Karp |April 15, 2024 - 3:45PM
glass partition separate living space and entrance hall in new renovated apartment. glass door in empty room with modern interior. concept of apartment with smart solution for space organization
The Search
Isn't there supposed to be a real bedroom window in my NYC apartment?

… … In short No Under New York Citys Housing Maintenance Code apartment bedrooms are required to have … feet in size have two means of egress and contain at least one operable window of at least 12 square feet or a skylight … on a tour Dont be afraid to bring a measuring tape If you find an apartment you suspect has an illegal bedroom you can …

By Celia Young |April 10, 2024 - 4:45PM
Manhattan skyline
Live
Yes, that was an earthquake you felt in NYC
By Jennifer White Karp |April 5, 2024 - 11:45AM
Exterior view of old New York City style architecture apartment building with windows and fire escapes
Roommates + Landlords
Most NYC residential buildings must install natural gas detectors by 2025
By Celia Young |February 26, 2024 - 10:40AM
image
Neighborhood Intel
Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and overgrown trees: How to fix up your block
By Austin Havens-Bowen |November 3, 2023 - 12:30PM
New York City cabs on a Rainy day
Buy
Why you should consider a building's climate disaster risk when buying in NYC
By Celia Young |September 5, 2023 - 1:30PM