Department of Housing Sued for Failing to Disclose Disturbing Living Conditions

The Office of the New York State Comptroller states that the largest landlord in the City is the City itself. This is thanks to the New York Housing Authority (NYCHA), which maintains 7.7% of all rental apartments. Although the Comptroller brags that this is the “greatest source of affordable housing,” tenants have recently accused the NYCHA of failing to reveal horrific living conditions. These include rats, mold, and toxic lead paint. Can you sue your landlord in Manhattan for these kinds of issues?

Three Tenants Sue the NYCHA 

In November of 2024, various sources reported that three tenants had sued the NYCHA. These tenants claimed that they were never informed of serious violations within their units – including rat infestations, mold blooms, and lead paint. According to a 2022 law, all of these past violations must be publicly accessible through an online database. The law was supposed to ensure transparency about living conditions for the City’s poorest – but it seems to have failed in this regard.

One tenant claims that inspectors are being warned by the NYCHA to avoid entering “pertinent information” into the database. In response, a NYSCHA representative stated:

“We are reviewing the suit and — most importantly — want to reassure New Yorkers that our top priority is keeping them safe in their homes.”

When Can You Sue Your Landlord in Manhattan? 

Whether your landlord is a City agency or a private company, you may be able to file a premises liability claim against them. This type of lawsuit is reserved for those who suffer injuries due to landlord negligence. Often, this negligence involved landlords failing to address health issues, toxins, and other violations.

For example, you might develop a respiratory disease due to the presence of mold in your building. As a result, you could sue your landlord and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. The same logic applies to rat infestations and toxic lead paint – both of which can cause diseases and illnesses after prolonged exposure.

In addition, you can sue your landlord if you suffer some kind of physical injury due to building code violations. For example, you might have slipped on a broken set of stairs. Perhaps you suffered disfiguring burns after an electrical fire caused by faulty wiring. Speak with your lawyer to learn whether suing your landlord is possible.

Key Takeaways 

• While it is a government agency, the NYCHA owes its tenants a duty of care – just like any other landlord
• Rats, mold, and lead paint can cause tenants to suffer serious diseases and injuries
• You can sue your landlord for health issues you develop due to poor living conditions

Contact a Manhattan Premises Liability Lawyer Today 

If you’re wondering whether you can sue your landlord, why not contact an experienced New York premises liability lawyer? These attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against your landlord – whether it’s a private company, an individual, or a City agency. Tenants deserve to live in clean, safe places – and negligent landlords must be held accountable. Schedule a consultation with Cohan Law, PLLC – and start pursuing justice today.

Sources: 

blackenterprise.com/nycha-sued-not-disclosing-hazards/

msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/nycha-tenants-sue-city-for-not-disclosing-violations-in-their-units/ar-AA1tE6oA