Buildings with three or more apartments must have smoke alarms.  Fire hazards can be reported to the building inspector or fire department in the town or city where you live. In the City of Kingston: buildings@kingston-ny.gov, 845-331-1217, or Fire Chief Chris Rea, 845-331-1507,  crea@kingston-ny.gov.

Rental apartments and houses are required to have heating. Even if the lease or other arrangement says tenants will pay the heating bills, property owners still must ensure that it is possible to heat the unit. If, for instance, the furnace breaks, the landlord is responsible for fixing it. Regardless of who pays a utility bill, if the company plans to turn off service, it must give tenants advance written notice. Once the bill is paid, service may not be stopped. If the lease says the owner is responsible for a utility bill and the tenants pay it to avoid shut off, they may deduct the costs from future rent payments. For concerns and questions, call the Public Service Commission helpline, 800-342-3355. In emergencies, for instance lack of heat in cold weather, call the emergency hotline, 800-342-3355. To report a non-emergency lack of heat call the county health department, 845-340-3010.

U.S. and New York State laws protect tenants from harassment and discrimination based on immigration status, race, religion, language, and other factors. A brochure from the state attorney general’s office explains these rights and how to enforce them (English, Spanish) or visit this website.

Tenants also have responsibilities to building owners, neighbors, and the wider community. These responsibilities include not damaging the property, reporting dangerous conditions, and not leaving young children alone. If a tenant causes a hazardous situation, they may be required to remedy the problem.

For more details about tenants’ rights and responsibilities see the Ulster County government’s website.