Are landlords required to inspect units prior to renting in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

Yes, landlords are required to inspect units prior to renting in accordance with Fair Housing Law in New York. The New York State Human Rights Law (HRL) specifies that landlords must inspect units prior to renting them to ensure that they are free of conditions that constitute a danger to prospective tenants’ health, safety, or welfare. According to §296(7) of the HRL, the inspection must include a visual assessment of: the presence of vermin; the existence of broken windows, exposed electrical wiring, and other hazardous conditions; and any other potential violations of state or local building, fire, and safety codes. Furthermore, the landlord must inform prospective tenants of any issues uncovered during the inspection. It is also crucial for landlords to provide an accurate and up-to-date disclosure statement prior to tenants signing a lease agreement. This statement informs tenants of their rights and responsibilities under the law and outlines measures that the landlord will take to remediate any issues found in the unit inspection. In sum, landlords in New York are legally obligated to inspect units prior to renting them in order to ensure tenant safety. They must also disclose any issues discovered during the inspection to prospective tenants and provide an accurate disclosure statement. Following these requirements is the best way for landlords to protect themselves and their tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Laws.

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