LANDLORD ADVISOR
Barbara Boyle + Central Astoria LDC 204-1056

I recently installed a lock in the boiler room because of vandalism. One of my tenants told me that I am obligated to informing the location of who has the keys to the boiler room. If this is true, what type of sign should be posted? L.F., Woodside An owner who keeps the door of the boiler room locked must post two signs naming the person entrusted with the key and where that person can be found. The signs must read "Key to heating system area lock is located at (insert name of person with key and that person's location)". These signs must be posted in the building's entrance hall in a conspicuous place, preferably above the mailboxes, and on the boiler room entrance door. The signs must be made of metal, plastic, or decal and must be approved by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). The sign's letters must be at least 3/16 of an inch in height. It must be large enough to accommodate the lettering while still providing a ? inch margin around the lettering on all sides. The letters and background of the signs must be of contrasting colors. An owner who fails to post boiler room access signs can be in fined of $50 to $150 per violation, plus $125 per day until corrected. In addition, the duty to keep a boiler room accessible to building inspectors is a continuing obligation. Owners can also be fined $50 to $275 per day if they fail to correct a violation of the boiler room access within the time established on the notice of violation. For more information on sign posting, you can contact HPD by calling the New York City Hotline at 311. One of my rent stabilized tenants is complaining about her bathroom floor tiles. She said the floor tiles are old and wants me to replace the entire floor with new tiles. I told the tenant that I will charge her 1/40th of the cost. The tenant said that the floor tiles are part of her services. Do I have the right to charge the tenant? J.F., Astoria Yes. According to the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) installing new floor tiles is considered to be an individual apartment improvement. Therefore, the landlord is entitled to a 1/40th of the cost of the rent increase. However, when it comes to replacing damaged or missing floor tiles a landlord cannot charge a tenant. Before you install the floor tiles, request a written consent from the tenant for the rent increase. If the tenant refuses to give a written consent, then you can refuse to provide the new floor tiles. If she refuses to give you a written consent, put it in writing and send a letter by certified mail/return receipt. The letter will prove you were willing to install new tiles but, the tenant refused to give you a written consent should the tenant file a service complaint.