Who Fixes What in Your NYC Rental: You or the Building?

TL;DR

In NYC, your landlord and building super are responsible for keeping your apartment safe and livable. You’re responsible for normal upkeep and anything you break. Know where the line is so you’re not stuck paying for repairs you don’t owe—or waiting forever on fixes that aren’t your job.

The Basics

New Yorkers love to complain about their supers—but the truth is, building staff and landlords have specific legal obligations. They must provide you with a safe, habitable apartment (this is called the “Warranty of Habitability” in NY law). That means things like heat, hot water, working plumbing, and safe electrical systems are their job, not yours.

On the flip side, you’re expected to keep the place reasonably clean, avoid damage, and handle the little stuff.

What’s the Building’s Responsibility

Here’s what your landlord/super must take care of:

• Heat & Hot Water – Required by law, with strict “heat season” rules in NYC.
• Plumbing – Leaks, clogs in building pipes, toilet replacements if it’s not tenant-caused.
• Electricity – Outages, faulty wiring, or broken outlets (unless you fried it by mistake).
• Appliances Provided with the Apartment – If your unit came with a stove, fridge, or dishwasher, repairs/replacements fall on the landlord.
• Structural Issues – Roof leaks, broken windows, crumbling walls, ceiling water damage.
• Pest Infestations – Mice, roaches, bedbugs. They must hire exterminators.
• Building Systems – Elevators, front doors, intercoms, laundry machines.

If it’s part of making your home habitable, safe, and up to code—it’s on them.

What’s the Tenant’s Responsibility

You’re not off the hook. Here’s what you’re expected to handle:

• Light Bulbs & Batteries – Yes, even smoke detector batteries.
• Clogged Drains/Toilets – Try a plunger first; if that fails, the super usually steps in.
• Minor Wear & Tear – Patching nail holes, replacing shower curtains, tightening loose knobs.
• Keeping it Clean – Preventing pests, mold, and unnecessary damage.
• Damage You Caused – If you break a window, crack tiles, or ruin floors, you pay.

Gray Areas to Watch

• Air Conditioners – If you installed it, you maintain it. If it was included, building covers repairs.
• Painting – Landlords must repaint every few years, but you might be charged if you paint wild colors and don’t return to neutral.
• Lock Changes – If you want a new lock, you usually pay. If the lock breaks, landlord covers it.

Protect Yourself if Repairs Drag On

Most landlords and supers want to keep things running smoothly—but sometimes, repairs stall. If a repair drags on, document the issue (photos, emails) and know your rights—NYC has tenant protections to make sure your apartment stays habitable.

Conclusion

NYC rentals can be a maze of “who fixes what,” but the rule of thumb is simple: landlords handle safety and habitability, tenants handle upkeep and damage they cause. Knowing the difference helps you avoid unfair bills, wasted time, and endless back-and-forth with your super.

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