Tenants: NYC Landlords Deny Cooking Gas, Endanger Residents

Some landlords in New York City have been withholding cooking gas from tenants in an effort to push them out, according to a recent investigation by Gothamist. Landlords across the city are allegedly keeping the gas off to drive out low-income and rent-stabilized tenants so they can rent apartments at higher market rates.

Landlords in NYC Try to Force Out Tenants

In South Williamsburg, Chelsea, and Inwood, residents have endured months—sometimes over a year—without cooking gas. One woman in Inwood has been without gas for four months. Another building in Chelsea went without gas for eight months, according to Gothamist. These situations often arise after a gas leak is reported to ConEdison, which shuts off the building’s gas. Repairs then become the landlord’s responsibility, requiring coordination with the Department of Buildings (DOB) before service can be restored.

Unfortunately, many landlords exploit this process, failing to complete repairs or communicate with the DOB. Without the necessary inspections and approval, ConEdison cannot restore gas service. Although the city is supposed to penalize landlords who deprive tenants of cooking gas, these violations are often unenforced, leaving landlords unmotivated to address the issue.

Without gas, tenants are forced to use hot plates and electric burners, which not only drive up electricity bills but also present significant safety risks.

The Dangers of Cooking Without Gas

Cooking equipment is already the leading cause of home fires, responsible for 46% of incidents, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). When tenants resort to makeshift solutions like hot plates, the risk of fire increases dramatically.

Hot plates are particularly hazardous because users must lean close to the heat source, increasing the risk of clothing or hair catching fire. Frayed wires or extended use can lead to electrical fires. Tenants cooking with these devices may also lack basic fire safety equipment, compounding the danger.

Greedy Landlords Frequently Endanger Tenants

Landlords who withhold cooking gas not only violate tenant rights but also jeopardize safety. Negligent landlords may fail to maintain other essential fire safety measures, such as smoke detectors or sprinkler systems. In fact, buildings with low-income tenants are at greater risk of fire due to poor maintenance. According to the NFPA, 95,000 apartment fires in 2015 caused 3,025 injuries and 405 deaths.

In one tragic incident, an Oakland low-income apartment complex caught fire in April, killing three people and injuring four more. The building lacked sprinklers and fire extinguishers—basic safety measures landlords are legally required to provide.

Tenant Rights and a Landlord’s Responsibilities

New York City landlords are legally required to provide cooking gas as part of tenant leases. When this service is unavailable, landlords must offer rent discounts. Additionally, landlords must comply with regulations like installing multiple working smoke detectors in all units and ensuring electrical systems are in good working order.

In many buildings without cooking gas, tenants also face a lack of heat and hot water, which forces them to seek unsafe alternatives. These living conditions are not only illegal but also pose serious safety risks.

Taking Action Against Negligent Landlords

Frustrated by months of living without gas, heat, and other appalling conditions, some NYC tenants are taking action. Complaints have been filed with city officials, protests organized, and tenant associations formed. Some tenants have also reached out to leaders like Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and ConEdison’s CEO for support.

If you’re living in unsafe conditions, it’s important to take precautions to prevent fires and protect your family. While tenants shouldn’t bear the burden of their landlords’ negligence, staying vigilant can help reduce risks. If you’ve been injured in a fire, even if you believe it was your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.

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