A new NYC law taking effect on May 7, 2026 introduces critical steam radiator inspection requirements for buildings where young children live. Here's what property owners need to know about Local Law 2025/151.

Who Does This Apply To?

Covered Multiple Dwellings

This law applies to covered multiple dwellings - any building with at least one dwelling unit where a child under the age of 6 resides.

Important exemptions:

  • Cooperative apartments occupied by the shareholder of record or their family
  • Condominium units occupied by the owner of record or their family

The Inspection Requirement

Every 2 Years

Owners of covered multiple dwellings must inspect all steam radiators in:

  • Every covered dwelling unit (where a child under 6 lives)
  • All common areas (hallways, lobbies, etc.)

What Inspectors Must Check

Inspectors must examine each steam radiator component to ensure it's in safe operating condition, including:

  • Leaking water or steam
  • Browning or water damage on floors and walls
  • Signs of corrosion on radiator or surrounding surfaces
  • Proper operation of valves and air vents
  • Structural integrity of radiator sections
  • Any other evidence of defects or damage

Who Can Inspect?

Inspections must be conducted by qualified professionals:

  • Licensed master plumber
  • High-pressure boiler operating engineer
  • Stationary engineer
  • Oil burning equipment installer
  • Mechanical contractor
  • Building superintendent (with additional training)
  • NYCHA heating plant technician or maintenance worker
  • Individuals working under direct supervision of licensed professionals

When Defects Are Found

Standard Defects (48-Hour Notification)

If an inspection reveals any defect or damage:

  1. Within 48 hours: Inspector must notify the tenant, owner, AND HPD
  2. Within 14 days: Owner must correct the defect or damage

Hazardous Conditions (Immediate Action)

If a steam radiator is likely to be hazardous to life or safety:

  1. Within 24 hours: Take the radiator out of service
  2. Within 7 days: Repair or replace the radiator

Annual Tenant Notice Requirement

The January Survey

Every year, owners must identify which units have children under 6. Here's the timeline:

January 1-16: Send notice to all tenants (in units not inspected in prior calendar year) asking:

  • "Does a child under the age of 6 reside in your unit?"

By February 15: Tenants must respond in writing

By March 1: If no response received and owner has no actual knowledge, owner must notify HPD

Notice Requirements

  • Must be in English and Spanish (at minimum)
  • Can be delivered by:
    • First class mail to occupant
    • Hand delivery to occupant
    • Enclosed with January rent bill

Lease Requirement

All leases for covered multiple dwellings must include conspicuous notice advising tenants of the owner's obligation to inspect steam radiators in units where children under 6 reside.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Owners must maintain inspection records including:

  1. Building address
  2. Dwelling unit and radiator location within unit
  3. Inspector name, address, and license number
  4. Building superintendent self-certification (if applicable)
  5. Inspection date
  6. Results: component status, visual indicators, hazardous conditions
  7. Any remediation actions taken

Penalty for failure to maintain records: Up to $500

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Failure to present annual notice: Up to $500
  • Failure to inspect: Subject to HPD violations
  • Failure to remedy defects: Additional violations and penalties
  • Hazardous conditions left unaddressed: Potential Class C violations with significant daily penalties

Best Practices for Compliance

1. Identify Your Status

  • Survey your tenants to determine if you have a covered dwelling unit
  • Keep records of which units have children under 6
  • Update this information annually

2. Create an Inspection Schedule

Since inspections are required every 2 years:

  • Schedule half your building in Year 1, half in Year 2 (spreads the workload)
  • Set calendar reminders 60 days before inspection due dates
  • Keep a master spreadsheet tracking last inspection date for each unit

3. Set Up Your January Process

Create a repeatable annual workflow:

  1. Late December: Prepare bilingual tenant survey notices
  2. January 1-16: Distribute notices (mail or with rent bills)
  3. February 15: Collect and log all responses
  4. By March 1: Report non-responsive units to HPD if needed

4. Hire Qualified Inspectors

Establish relationships with:

  • Licensed plumbers or mechanical contractors
  • Building superintendents with proper training
  • Contractors who understand the specific inspection requirements

5. Document Everything

Maintain organized records of:

  • Annual tenant surveys and responses
  • Inspection reports for all radiators
  • Remediation work orders and completion dates
  • Communications with tenants and HPD
  • Inspector licenses and certifications

6. Respond Quickly to Findings

  • Have a contractor on standby for urgent repairs
  • Budget for potential radiator replacements
  • Don't wait until the last day of the compliance window

Timeline to Prepare

May 7, 2026: Law takes effect

Before May 7, 2026:

  • Update all lease templates with required notice language
  • Identify covered dwelling units in your buildings
  • Arrange inspector training for superintendents or contract with qualified professionals
  • Develop recordkeeping system

January 1-16, 2027: First annual tenant survey

By May 7, 2028: First biennial inspections must be completed

How Brick Can Help

Tracking biennial inspection cycles, annual tenant surveys, and remediation deadlines across multiple properties is complex. Brick automatically:

  • Tracks which properties are covered multiple dwellings
  • Reminds you to send annual January tenant surveys
  • Schedules biennial radiator inspections
  • Alerts you to 48-hour notification requirements when defects are found
  • Tracks 14-day and 7-day remediation deadlines
  • Stores inspection records and documentation
  • Integrates with your existing compliance calendar

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

While the law doesn't take effect until May 2026, now is the time to:

  1. Review your portfolio to identify covered multiple dwellings
  2. Update lease templates
  3. Arrange for inspector training or contractor relationships
  4. Set up your recordkeeping system
  5. Budget for potential repairs

Being proactive will help you avoid the rush as the effective date approaches and ensure your youngest tenants are protected.

Need help tracking steam radiator inspections and all your other compliance requirements? Try Brick - your automated compliance tracker for NYC properties.