APARTMENT CONDITION SURVEY
Tired of leaky faucets and garbage not being cleared? Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, which will help you document and evaluate the current condition of the apartment, common areas, and facilities. By collecting evidence of your living conditions, your tenants and you can organize and demand for repairs! Scale for reference: 1 = poor, 5 = very good.
Section 1: Overall Apartment Condition
How would you rate the overall condition of your apartment?
Are there any visible damages or issues in the apartment?
If yes, please describe them:
Is the apartment well-lit and ventilated?
If you answered “No” or “Some areas need improvement,” please specify:
Does the apartment have any signs of pest infestations (e.g., rodents, insects)?
If yes, please describe them:
Yes No Some areas need improvement
Yes No
Section 2: Kitchen/Cooking Area
How would you rate the overall condition of your kitchen/cooking area?
Are all kitchen appliances (oven, fridge, microwave, etc.) functioning properly?
If no, please specify which appliance(s) need attention:
Is there sufficient storage space in the kitchen (cabinets, drawers)?
If yes, please explain:
Are the countertops, sink, and faucets in good condition?
If no, please describe the issue:
Yes No
Yes No
Section 3: Bathroom(s)
How would you rate the overall condition of the bathroom(s) in your apartment?
Are the toilet, shower, and sink functioning properly?
If no, please describe the issue:
Is there sufficient water pressure and temperature regulation?
If no, please describe the issue:
Are the bathroom surfaces (floor, walls, mirror, etc.) clean and in good condition?
Yes No
Yes No
If no, please specify which areas need attention: Yes No
Section 4: Bedroom(s)
How would you rate the overall condition of the bedroom(s)?
Is there adequate storage space in the bedroom (closets, dressers, shelves)?
If no, please explain:
Is the room well-lit and ventilated?
If no, please specify:
Are there any issues with noise, heating, or cooling in the bedroom?
If yes, please describe:
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Section 5: Laundry Room (if applicable)
Is the laundry room clean and wellmaintained?
If no, please specify areas that need improvement:
Are the washing machines and dryers in good working order?
If no, please specify which machine(s) need attention:
No
Section 6: Garbage Room or Disposal Area
Is the garbage disposal area clean and properly maintained?
If no, please describe the issue:
Are trash bins regularly emptied and in good condition?
If no, please specify which bins need attention:
Is recycling available, and is it well-organized?
If no, please explain:
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Section 7: Shared Spaces (e.g. hallway, stairwells, lobby)
How would you rate the overall cleanliness and maintenance of shared spaces?
Are the shared spaces (hallways, stairwells, lobby) free from hazards (e.g., spills, clutter, poor lighting)?
If no, please describe the hazard(s):
Are the elevators (if applicable) functioning properly and in good condition?
If no, please specify the issue:
Are the shared outdoor spaces (courtyard, garden, etc.) well-maintained and clean?
If no, please explain:
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Section 8: Leaks, Mold and Damages
Are there any visible signs of water leakage in your home (e.g., water stains, damp spots, or dripping water)? Yes No
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, where are the leaks located?
Plumbing Fixtures (e.g., sinks, toilets, faucets)
(Please check all that apply) Ceiling Walls Floors Windows Doors
Other:
Have you noticed any water damage in your home (e.g., peeling paint, sagging ceilings, warped wood, or rust)?
Yes No Not sure
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, in which areas of the home is the water damage most prominent?
(Please check all that apply)
Other:
Do you currently have any visible mold or mildew growth in your home?
If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, where is the mold/mildew located? (Please check all that apply)
Other:
Have you experienced any persistent musty or damp odors in your home?
Living Room Basement
Yes No Not sure
Living Room Windowsill Doorframe
Yes No Occasionally
Have you noticed any damage to structural elements of your home (e.g., sagging floors, cracked walls, rotting beams) that might be caused by water or mold issues?
Have you taken any steps to repair or address water leakage, water damage, or mold issues in your home?
Yes, I have I have reported the issues but not repaired them
Section 9: Heating
Yes No Not sure
Yes, I have repaired the issues No, I have not addressed the issues
In New York City, the law mandates that landlords must provide adequate heat to rental units from October 1 through May 31, ensuring that indoor temperatures reach at least 68°F (20°C) during the day and 62°F (16.7°C) at night when outdoor temperatures fall below 55°F. Tenants can file complaints if they are not receiving sufficient heat, and landlords are required to maintain and repair heating systems during this period.
Have you experienced insufficient heat in your apartment during the heating season (October 1 - May 31)?
Have you noticed any of the following heating problems in your apartment? (Select all that apply)
Yes No
Not sure
No heat at all
Heat is inconsistent or fluctuates
The heating system is making noise or malfunctioning Noisy or broken radiators/heaters
Other:
Has your landlord been made aware of your heating issues?
Yes No I haven’t reported it yet
Do you know that your landlord is legally responsible for maintaining a functional heating system in your apartment, even if you are paying Con Edison (or others) for heating costs?
Yes No Not sure
If your heating issue has not been addressed by your landlord, what steps have you taken (if any)?
Reported the issue to HPD (Department of Housing Preservation and Development)
Withheld rent
Contacted a lawyer or tenant rights organization
Nothing yet
Section 10: Legal provisions for your apartment
New York City landlords have certain legal responsibilities and must provide various basic services and amenities to ensure that rental properties are habitable and comply with the Housing Maintenance Code under the New York City Administrative Code. These laws are designed to protect tenants’ health, safety, and well-being, and they cover a wide range of areas., from heat and hot water to structural integrity and sanitation.
Heat: During the “heating season” (from October 1 to May 31), the landlord must maintain a functional heating system and ensure the apartment reaches specific temperatures:
- 68°F (20°C) during the day (from 6 AM to 10 PM) when the outside temperature is below 55°F (13°C).
- 62°F (16.7°C) at night (from 10 PM to 6 AM) when the outside temperature is below 55°F (13°C).
Hot Water: The landlord must provide a constant supply of hot water, and the temperature must be between 120°F and 130°F (49°C to 54°C).
Functioning Electrical System: The landlord must ensure the apartment has adequate and functioning electrical outlets, lighting, and circuit breakers to meet basic living needs.
Repairs to Electrical Systems: If the electrical system malfunctions (e.g., faulty wiring or breaker trips), the landlord is responsible for repairing it.
Safe Living Conditions: Landlords must maintain the structural integrity of the building. This includes the foundation, walls, ceilings, floors, roof, and windows. If these components are damaged or deteriorating, the landlord must repair them.
Building Codes and Safety Standards:
Landlords are required to comply with New York City’s building and fire codes, which include maintaining fire escapes, stairwells, elevators, and ensuring the property is free of hazards like exposed electrical wires or broken windows.
Running Water: Landlords are required to provide access to clean, running water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and other necessary purposes.
Plumbing System: The landlord must maintain a functional plumbing system, including the pipes, drains, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs, ensuring they do not leak or cause water damage.
Mold: Landlords are required to address mold and mildew issues that arise from water leaks or other conditions that may make the apartment unsafe or uninhabitable.
Pest Control: Landlords must maintain a pest-free environment. This includes dealing with infestations of rodents, cockroaches, bedbugs, and other vermin. They are responsible for addressing pest problems and taking preventative measures to avoid infestations.
Trash and Garbage Disposal: The landlord must provide tenants with a system for the proper disposal of trash and garbage, either through building dumpsters or other methods. They are also required to ensure that garbage is picked up regularly in accordance with NYC sanitation schedules.
Locks and Deadbolts: Landlords must provide functioning locks on doors and windows to ensure the safety and security of tenants. This includes securing entry doors with proper locks, peepholes, and deadbolts.
Elevator Maintenance (for buildings with elevators): In multi-story buildings with elevators, the landlord is responsible for ensuring that the elevator is properly maintained and serviced regularly.
General Maintenance: In addition to fixing broken systems, landlords must also ensure regular upkeep of the property, including maintaining the condition of appliances, walls, flooring, and windows.
No Harassment: Landlords are prohibited from engaging in harassment tactics, such as threatening tenants with eviction, attempting to force them out by cutting off services, or making unwarranted visits to the apartment.
Certificate of Occupancy: The landlord must ensure that the building is properly registered with the NYC Department of Buildings and that a valid Certificate of Occupancy is in place, indicating that the building complies with building codes.
Cleanliness of Common Areas: Landlords must ensure that common areas, such as hallways, staircases, lobbies, and laundry rooms, are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
Fire Safety: The landlord must install and maintain smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable), and fire extinguishers in compliance with city fire codes. They must also provide clear emergency exits, and, in some buildings, fire alarms and sprinklers.
Timely Repairs: Landlords are legally obligated to address any necessary repairs promptly. If there are issues with heating, plumbing, or structural damage, they must fix them within a reasonable amount of time. If the problem is urgent (e.g., a gas leak or broken heating system in winter), the landlord must address it immediately.
Right to Privacy: Landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering a tenant’s apartment (usually at least 24 hours) unless there is an emergency (e.g., a plumbing leak). They must respect the tenant’s right to privacy and “quiet enjoyment” of the premises.
Rent Stabilization and Lease Requirements:
In rent-stabilized apartments, the landlord must abide by rent guidelines and regulations, such as limiting the amount of rent that can be increased. They must also provide tenants with the option to renew their leases as required by law.
Failure to meet these obligations can lead to legal action, and tenants may seek remedies such as rent abatements, repairs, or even eviction defenses. If issues arise, tenants are encouraged to report them to the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) or seek legal advice through tenant advocacy organizations. Information on these organizations can be found on Parsons Housing Justice Lab website.