To report a landlord in Buffalo, NY, for issues primarily related to housing conditions, health, or safety violations, you should contact the Erie County Department of Health Housing Program.
Reporting Housing Conditions and Health Violations
The primary method for reporting landlords regarding issues like inadequate heat, pest infestations, lead hazards, structural problems, or lack of essential services in Buffalo, NY, is through the Erie County Department of Health.
How to File a Complaint
You have two main ways to file a complaint with the Erie County Department of Health:
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| By Phone | If you prefer to file a complaint over the phone, please call (716) 961-6800. You can speak directly with a representative to report your concerns. |
| Online | You can submit an online service request and complaint. Access the form by visiting the Online Service Request and Complaint Form: Housing on the Erie County Department of Health website. |
When submitting a complaint, be as detailed as possible to facilitate a thorough investigation.
What to Prepare Before Reporting
To ensure your complaint is handled efficiently, gather the following information before contacting the department:
- Landlord's Information: Full name, address, and contact details of your landlord or property management company.
- Property Address: The exact address of the rental unit experiencing issues.
- Detailed Description of Issues: Clearly describe all problems, including:
- Specific health hazards (e.g., mold, lead paint).
- Safety concerns (e.g., lack of smoke detectors, faulty wiring).
- Maintenance issues (e.g., plumbing leaks, no heat/hot water).
- Dates and times when issues occurred or when you first noticed them.
- Evidence: Provide supporting documentation such as:
- Photographs or videos of the conditions.
- Copies of communication with your landlord (emails, texts, letters) regarding the issues.
- Attempts to Resolve: Document any steps you have already taken to notify your landlord and resolve the issues directly with them.
Other Avenues for Landlord Disputes
While the Erie County Department of Health handles health and safety code violations, other types of disputes may require different approaches.
Legal Aid and Tenant Rights Organizations
For complex legal issues such as wrongful eviction, lease disputes, security deposit withholding, or habitability issues not directly addressed by health codes, consider reaching out to legal aid services or tenant rights organizations in the Buffalo area. These organizations often provide free or low-cost legal advice and representation.
Housing Discrimination
If you believe you are experiencing housing discrimination based on protected characteristics (e.g., race, religion, gender, disability, familial status), you can file a complaint with:
- New York State Division of Human Rights: This state agency investigates complaints of discrimination.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD enforces federal fair housing laws.
Small Claims Court
For financial disputes, such as the wrongful withholding of a security deposit or disputes over property damage, you may consider filing a case in Small Claims Court. This court handles civil cases involving smaller monetary amounts without the need for extensive legal representation.
Understanding Your Tenant Rights in New York
It is crucial for tenants to be aware of their rights under New York State law. Key tenant protections include:
- Right to a Habitable Living Space: Landlords must maintain a safe and livable dwelling.
- Protection Against Illegal Eviction: Landlords must follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant.
- Security Deposit Limits: New York law limits security deposits to one month's rent.
- Right to Notice: Tenants are entitled to proper notice for rent increases, lease non-renewals, or entry by the landlord.
Knowing your rights empowers you to take appropriate action and seek resolution for landlord-tenant issues.
