New laws helping protect NYC renters with Asthma

Over 25 million individuals in the United States suffer from Asthma, a common lung disease that causes a person to experience difficulties breathing. Unfortunately, for many people, the quality of their apartments is making their Asthma symptoms even worse.

Last month, New York City passed the Asthma-Free Housing Act. Under this act, landlords “will be required to have their buildings inspected every year for asthma triggers, such as mold, pests and rodents.” Additionally, the new law requires landlords to alert tenants about any asthma-related triggers and fix any related issues that arise.

Sadly, certain areas of New York City are at a higher risk of Asthma than others, according to recent reports. The most common areas affected tend to be low-income neighborhoods, such as the Bronx and Brooklyn. In these bureaus, nearly 15 out of every 100 residents suffer from asthma. These areas also tend to be associated with higher rates of mold and pest violations.

Not only do lawmakers believe this law will require the city to crack down on landlords, Localize.city is providing an online tool for tenants to make sure their landlords are being held accountable. This site will provide a detailed report of housing violations at a specific address to ensure landlords are alerting tenants about issues and fixing them when they arise.

Still, proving your landlord is negligent can be complex. It can be beneficial to consult with an attorney who is experienced in premises liability claims to discuss your options and find a solution that is right for you.