Local Law 151 of 2025 requires owners of multiple dwelling buildings (3+ residential units) that have steam heating systems to have steam radiators inspected at least once every two years in dwelling units where there is at least one steam radiator and where a child under the age of six resides and common areas of those buildings. A steam radiator is a heat exchanger that is a component of a central heating system that uses steam to provide heat to rooms.
Here are the basics:
- “Biennial” inspections of steam radiators would be required in apartments where a child under age 6 resides (a “covered dwelling unit”)
- Biennial means once every 2 years
- These inspections would also be required in the common areas of these buildings
- Inspections that reveal “defects or damage” would need to be corrected within 14 days of the inspection date
- Any hazardous conditions would require the owner to “remove the steam radiator from service within 24 hours of the inspection”
- They’d also need to repair/replace the device within 7 days
- Owners are required to maintain inspection records, and would be subject to civil penalties for “insufficient recordkeeping.”
Per the law, inspection requirements would not apply to owner-occupied condominiums and cooperatives. They would apply to units not occupied by the owner or owner’s family.
Note: If a tenant is already providing information regarding the inquiry of a child using the Annual Notice for Prevention of Lead Based Paint Hazards-Inquiry Regarding a Child, then the tenant is not required to submit this information a second time using the Annual Notice for Inspection of Steam Radiators.
Tenants are required to complete this form and return it to their landlord by February 15th each year.
The owner must maintain records indicating that Annual Notice process was completed and the findings of that process, including:
- When it was sent and how.
- Whether the tenant responded or whether it was otherwise reported that a child under six resides.
- The results of any inspections required after the inspection (see Inspection section below) any repairs that were completed.
No later than March 1st of each year, the property owner/agent must notify HPD, using the Tenant No Response Form, about each apartment where an owner does not receive a written or verbal response from the occupant by February 15th and does not otherwise have knowledge of a child under the age of six in residence. The Tenant No Response Form must be returned to HPD at Radiatorinfo@HPD.NYC.GOV, or
100 Gold Street, 5Z
New York, NY 10038
Attention: Code Enforcement - Radiators
Inspection Process
Once a property owner knows which apartments require an inspection based on the results of the Annual Notice process, the owner should determine whether an inspection was already completed in that apartment within the past two years. If so, the owner should document that no inspection needs to be conducted. If not, an inspection must be completed.
Who can do the inspection?
The individual performing the steam radiator inspection is required to complete and submit to the owner an Affidavit of Qualification of Inspector Form, which is valid for the calendar year. Steam radiator inspections must be performed by an individual who is qualified to do so as an “Inspector” as defined under NYC Administrative Code §27-2056.21, which includes:
- a licensed master plumber, high-pressure boiler operating engineer or stationary engineer, oil burning equipment installer, mechanical contractor; or
- an individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master plumber, a licensed high-pressure boiler operating engineer or stationary engineer, a licensed oil burning equipment installer, or a mechanical contractor that conducts inspections of steam radiators; or
- heating plant technician or heating maintenance worker employed by the New York City Housing Authority or
- a building superintendent who has reviewed informational materials as developed by HPD.
- What is a certification course defined by HPD?
- The Steam Radiator Inspection Training Manual must be reviewed and understood by a superintendent prior to completing any required inspections.
- A registered owner or managing agent of the building and the superintendent that is conducting the inspection must sign a Certification of Building Owner and Building Superintendent Regarding Inspection(s) of Steam Radiator(s) Form confirming that both have read and understand the requirements and are thereby qualified to conduct the inspections. This affidavit must be maintained with any records related to the inspections conducted by the signing superintendent.
You can review the Steam Radiator Inspection Manual here.
What is required in the inspection?
- The individual conducting the inspection must complete the Record of Steam Radiator Inspection Form for each apartment inspected and a separate one for the common area inspection. This record must be maintained by the owner.
- Where an uncontrolled steam leak or severe corrosion is identified by the inspector, the inspector shall immediately de-energize the boiler by activating the remote shutdown switch or electrical disconnect switch.
- If an inspection reveals a defect or damage of a steam radiator, the inspector is required to:
- Notify the tenant, the owner, and HPD using the Record of Steam Radiator Inspection Form within 48 hours of the inspection.
- Correct the defect or damage of a steam radiator within 14 days of the inspection
- If the defect or damage is hazardous to life or safety, the steam radiator must be taken out of service within 24 hours of inspection and repaired or replaced within 7 days.
Violations and Penalties
Copies of the records required to be maintained include annual radiator notices and inspection reports which must be provided upon request by HPD. Failure to maintain and provide records in accordance with §27-2056.23 shall result in a civil penalty of not more than $500.
HPD may also conduct inspections related to radiators whenever a tenant complaint is received, and appropriate violations may be issued.