Residential Building owners - Emergency preparation checklist 2023

Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain habitable conditions in residential buildings, including following storm-related or other damage. Habitable conditions include providing essential services like electricity, hot water and heat (during the coldest months of the year), and ensuring that physical conditions do not threaten the life, health, or safety of tenants.

Preparing your building(s) and residents for a weather emergency, natural disaster or power outage is critical. For links and resources on how to get ready, go to the NYC Emergency Management Preparing for Emergencies and refer to the Residential Building Owner Emergency Preparedness Punchlist.

Get Ready for an Emergency

Develop an Emergency Evacuation Plan, and communicate it to all tenants and post it throughout the building:

• Include relocation contingencies, such as location of nearest emergency shelter, available units in other buildings within your portfolio, transportation for tenants, etc.;
• Consider implementing site security as needed, and;
• Follow Disaster Signage Requirements (see below).

Check in on your tenants before and after the event to see if assistance is required. If you house vulnerable populations, also be sure to:

• Have up-to-date contact information for tenants and their families,
• Have a plan for maintaining necessary on-site services. The City might have special assistance for these individuals if they choose to shelter in place.

Implement a resiliency plan:

• Consider access to a generator and mobile steam unit, how much fuel is stored, how to keep hallways and stairwells lit, etc.

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