News, Community Districts, and Other News About LL 152 in New York City – (Updated for 2026)
As building owners around NYC are returning their full time focus to work and property management in 2023 it is time to begin thinking about inspection requirements for Local Law 152. 2026 marks the seventh round of LL 152 inspections, requiring all properties in NYC with natural gas to have their gas piping system inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber every four years based on the schedule outlined by the law.
With the sixth year of inspections, nearly all property owners have now received an LL 152 inspection, which means this year represents the first time that property owners will have to repeat their Local Law 152 inspection. Most, by now, have a better understanding of the requirements of this new rule, although many still have questions.
Our 2026 LL 152 guide goes in depth on what is expected from New York City properties in regards to Local Law 152 this year. We will go over what Local Law 152 is, what properties are included in this year’s inspection cycle, and what to know if you missed the 2025 inspection deadline. If you need someone to provide an LL 152 gas inspection in 2026, contact the NYC master plumbers at Empire Plumbing at (718)494-7301 or (917)642-3041.
What is Local Law 152?
First passed in 2016, Local Law 152 went into effect in 2020. The law was created in response to a series of disasters that occurred due to improperly installed natural gas plumbing. The goal of this rule is to use regular inspections of NYC properties that use natural gas power to identify any potential problems and take immediate action. These problems can include:
- Gas Pipe Leaks
- Corroded or Rusting Pipes
- Physical Damage to the System
- Illegal or Authorized Installations
- Incorrectly Done Installations, and More
A Licensed Master Plumber in NYC must complete the LL 152 inspection and any repairs that are determined to be needed during the inspection. The LMP will also work with the property owner to submit all necessary paperwork to the NYC Department of Housing, certifying that the inspection has been completed, outlining any issues, and detailing what repairs were made.
Currently the inspection cycle is once every four years and the schedule is based on community district. We will go into more detail on the breakdown in which districts are included for this upcoming year’s deadline.
The important part is to be sure that you have the inspection done in the required year. Failing to comply with Local Law 152 guidelines can result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000 and any issues can involve an interruption to gas service at your residential or commercial property.
2026 LL 152 Community Districts and Deadlines
Local Law 152 outlines an inspection schedule determined by community district. Each year, specific community districts in every borough of NYC need to complete their inspection. The community districts that need to receive a Local Law 152 inspection this year are the same as the first year in 2020. For 2026, the districts included are:
- Community District 4
- Community District 6
- Community District 8
- Community District 9
- Community District 16
If you own property in any of these districts in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Staten Island you will need to make time to schedule an inspection with a Licensed Master Plumber sometime this year.
One important thing to note for 2026 property owners is that when LL 152 inspections first began in 2020, it was both during COVID and the first year of implementation, so the NYC DOB was a bit more relaxed on the timeline, requirements, and fines. That is no longer the case. The NYC DOB is much more strict and will send out fines if you miss the deadline.
The deadline is December 31st, 2026, but it is a good idea to complete the work earlier to avoid delays.
For building owners who are unsure which district they live in, you can find your specific district on the NYC community district profile website. Simply type in your address and it will tell you your district number within your borough. You can also check out this map of the various community districts.
Other properties that will need to conduct a gas piping system inspection this calendar year include any that will be installing or resuming gas service for the first time, regardless of the scheduled inspection year for your community district.
2025 LL152 Community Districts Deadlines
Many property owners were expected to complete their LL 152 inspections for the first time in 2023, which was the last year of the first inspection four year cycle. Anyone in these districts that has not yet completed their LL 152 inspection is late and may be fined or need to file for an LL 152 extension. These districts that may have missed the 2025 deadline cycle include:
- Community District 2
- Community District 5
- Community District 7
- Community District 13
- Community District 18
If you own property in any of these districts in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Staten Island you will need to make time to schedule an inspection with a Licensed Master Plumber sometime this year.
If you own a property that is covered under Local Law 152 in one of these districts and you missed your deadline, you could be subject to a violation. There is an option to request a 180-day extension to complete your inspection and file the necessary paperwork. The extension is a new option for property owners moving forward as a result of Follow-up #6, passed in March 2022.
Those properties that have filed for an extension or missed the deadline will need to schedule their inspection as soon as possible to remove the LL152 violation.
NEXT UP – 2027 Local Law 152 Districts
2026’s Local Law 152 inspections are just beginning, but for some property owners, it helps to prepare for 2027 LL 152 and beyond. The community districts will change again on January 1st, and will include the following:
- Community District 11 (all boroughs)
- Community District 12 (all boroughs)
- Community District 14 (all boroughs)
- Community District 15 (all boroughs)
- Community District 17 (all boroughs)
Unfortunately, it is not possible to complete an LL 152 inspection early. You must wait until 2027 before scheduling the inspection. Empire Plumbing is happy to schedule you out in advance if you like, or put you on our list for the next inspection.
HOWEVER – should you suspect that you have a gas issue, do not wait until 2027. Any gas issue can be an emergency, and it is better to address it now than wait.
Option to Request an Extension
As of March 2022, the city council added the option to request an extension with Follow-up #6 to LL152. You can submit your request in the online portal at www.nyc.gov/DOBgaspipecert under Location Information. The extension is 180 days, providing extra time for you to complete your inspection without being in violation of LL152.
Property owners are able to request 1 extension only and failure to complete an inspection and submit paperwork by the extension deadline could result in a violation.
Properties that Need to Complete a LL 152 Inspection
Local Law 152 also outlines which properties are included and need to have an inspection completed. We have already gone over which districts must have an inspection this year, but not every property in each of these districts is included.
Your building needs an inspection unless it is in the R-3 occupancy group. The R-3 group includes buildings where there are no more than two dwelling units and occupants number under 20, which can apply to group homes, convents, or monasteries. You can find your buildings occupancy classification on your Certificate of Occupancy.
Buildings that are not in the R-3 occupancy group and do not use natural gas also have updated requirements in 2026 because of the law passed by the City Council. In the past, buildings that did not use natural gas but fell within the community districts included for that year’s inspection deadline were required to submit paperwork from a Licensed Master Plumber confirming that no gas appliances were in use on the property.
This year and going forward, properties with gas piping but without active gas service can provide certification from the utility company that gas is not being supplied to the building. In order to confirm this, the property owner will need to submit to the Department of Buildings:
- When gas was last supplied.
- The date when gas service was no longer provided.
- A signed statement from the owner of the building.
- A certification from the utility company that the building is no longer connected to the gas main.
Although an inspection is no longer required, this certification is still due by the deadline if your property has unused gas piping within any of the community districts listed for either the 2026 deadline on December 31, 2027, or within 180 days of your extension request. You will need to submit this paperwork to avoid the $5,000 fine.
How to Complete Your 2026 LL 152 Inspection
Completing the gas piping system inspection is a relatively easy process for building owners, but you will want to make sure to schedule your inspection early to prevent any stress that can occur at the last minute and leave time for repairs.
You will need to schedule the inspection with a Licensed Master Plumber like Empire Plumbing Inc. We will come to your property at the scheduled time and inspect all gas pipes and connections in public areas. We will examine the space between the gas meter and up to tenant spaces, but per the law, there is no need for us to enter tenant dwellings.
Following inspection and in compliance with LL 152, we will provide you a Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report within 30 days, outlining all necessary repairs. We will also provide you with a signed Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification indicating that the inspection was done. You will need to submit this form to the Department of Buildings.
We then work with you to conduct all necessary repairs within 120 or 180 days, depending on our original findings. When these are complete, we will give you any additional certifications or reports necessary to confirm that repairs were made.
In extreme cases where we identify a significant hazard such as a leak or an unauthorized connection, we will also have to report our findings to the Department of Buildings and the gas utility. This can result in a temporary shutdown of your National Grid or Consolidated Edison gas service while the issue is resolved. However, this happens in only a very small percentage of our inspections.
At Empire Plumbing, most of the Local Law 152 inspections that we have conducted so far have yielded no or only minor repairs that we can quickly and affordably correct, removing the chance of interruption to your gas service.
Our goal is to make it as simple as possible for property owners throughout NYC to comply with this new legislation and avoid facing any penalties for incomplete inspections or missed deadlines. If you own a building in any of the community districts scheduled for inspection this year or you have additional questions on Local Law 152, call our team at Empire Plumbing for more information on what is required of you in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Local Law 152 in NYC
What happens if I miss the Local Law 152 deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you can be subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000. The NYC Department of Buildings is strict about enforcement, especially now that the law has been in effect for several years. You may also be able to request a one-time 180-day extension through the online portal at www.nyc.gov/DOBgaspipecert, but you must do so before the deadline passes. If you’ve already missed the deadline without filing for an extension, you’ll need to schedule your inspection immediately to remove the violation and avoid additional penalties.
Can I complete my Local Law 152 inspection early?
Not really. You cannot complete an LL 152 inspection before your community district’s scheduled year. The inspection must be done during the calendar year assigned to your district. You can, however, complete your LL 152 inspection at any point in the year, so – if it is your district’s turn – you can schedule your inspection as early as January 1st so that it is over and done with. Also, if you suspect you have a gas leak or other safety issue, do not wait for your scheduled inspection year – contact a Licensed Master Plumber immediately, as gas issues can be emergencies.
How do I know which community district my property is in?
We try to have updated information right here on our website. You can also find your community district by visiting the NYC community district profile website and entering your address. The site will tell you your district number within your borough. You can also check maps of community districts available through the NYC Department of City Planning. Knowing your district is important because it determines which year you need to complete your inspection.
Does Local Law 152 apply to residential buildings only?
No. Local Law 152 applies to both residential and commercial properties in New York City that use natural gas and are not in the R-3 occupancy group. The R-3 group includes buildings with no more than two dwelling units and fewer than 20 occupants, such as single-family homes, duplexes, certain group homes, convents, or monasteries. Most apartment buildings, office buildings, retail spaces, and mixed-use properties are subject to LL 152.
What if my building has gas piping but no active gas service?
If your property has gas piping but is not currently using natural gas service, you are no longer required to have a Licensed Master Plumber inspect the system. However, you still need to submit documentation to the Department of Buildings by your district’s deadline. This includes certification from the utility company confirming that gas is not being supplied, the date when service was discontinued, a signed statement from the building owner, and confirmation that the building is no longer connected to the gas main. Failing to submit this paperwork can still result in the $5,000 fine.
Who can perform a Local Law 152 inspection?
Only a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) in New York City can perform a Local Law 152 inspection. The LMP must be licensed specifically in NYC, as the requirements and regulations are unique to the city. The same Licensed Master Plumber who conducts the inspection is also the one who must perform any necessary repairs identified during the inspection. They will also be responsible for submitting the required paperwork to the NYC Department of Buildings on your behalf.
How long does a Local Law 152 inspection take?
The length of the inspection depends on the size and complexity of your building’s gas piping system. For smaller buildings, the inspection might take a few hours. For larger or more complex properties, it could take most of a day or require multiple visits. The Licensed Master Plumber will examine all gas pipes and connections in public areas, from the gas meter up to tenant spaces, but they do not need to enter individual tenant units unless there’s a specific safety concern.
What kinds of problems are inspectors looking for during an LL 152 inspection?
During the inspection, the Licensed Master Plumber is looking for gas pipe leaks, corroded or rusting pipes, physical damage to the gas system, illegal or unauthorized installations, incorrectly installed connections, outdated or failing equipment, and any other safety hazards related to the gas piping system. The goal is to identify potential problems before they become emergencies. Most inspections reveal either no issues or only minor problems that can be quickly corrected.
Will my gas service be shut off during the inspection?
In most cases, no. The inspection can be completed without interrupting gas service. However, if the Licensed Master Plumber identifies a significant hazard such as a gas leak or an unauthorized connection, they are required to report it to the Department of Buildings and the gas utility company (National Grid or Consolidated Edison). In these cases, your gas service may be temporarily shut off until the hazard is corrected. This happens in only a small percentage of inspections, and most issues can be resolved quickly.
How much does a Local Law 152 inspection cost?
The cost varies depending on the size of your building, the complexity of the gas piping system, and which Licensed Master Plumber you hire. Smaller buildings typically have lower inspection costs, while larger or more complex properties cost more. It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple licensed plumbers and to schedule your inspection early in the year to avoid last-minute rush fees as the deadline approaches.
What paperwork do I need to submit after the inspection?
After the inspection, the Licensed Master Plumber will provide you with a Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report (within 30 days) that outlines any necessary repairs, and a signed Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification confirming that the inspection was completed. You must submit this certification to the NYC Department of Buildings. If repairs are required, you’ll receive additional certifications once those repairs are complete, which must also be submitted to the DOB.
How long do I have to complete repairs identified during the inspection?
You have either 120 or 180 days to complete repairs, depending on the severity of the issues identified during the inspection. Minor issues typically allow for 180 days, while more serious problems may require completion within 120 days. The Licensed Master Plumber will specify the timeline in your inspection report. It’s important to complete repairs within the required timeframe to avoid violations and potential interruption of gas service.
Can I request an extension if I can’t complete the inspection by the deadline?
Yes, you can request a one-time 180-day extension through the online portal at www.nyc.gov/DOBgaspipecert under Location Information. However, you can only request one extension per inspection cycle, and you must request it before the original deadline passes. If you fail to complete the inspection and submit paperwork by the extension deadline, you will be in violation of Local Law 152 and subject to penalties.
What if my building is in multiple community districts?
If your building spans multiple community districts, you should follow the inspection schedule for the district where the majority of the building is located, or consult with the NYC Department of Buildings for guidance on which district’s schedule applies. In most cases, buildings are assigned to a single community district based on their primary address.
Do I need to provide access to tenant apartments during the inspection?
No. Per Local Law 152, the Licensed Master Plumber only needs to inspect gas pipes and connections in public areas of the building – from the gas meter up to tenant spaces. They do not need to enter individual tenant units unless a specific safety hazard is identified that requires further investigation. This makes scheduling and completing the inspection much simpler for property owners.
What happens if I own multiple properties in different community districts?
Each property will need to be inspected according to the schedule for its specific community district. If you own properties in multiple districts, you may need to complete inspections in different years. It’s a good idea to keep a calendar or checklist of which properties are due for inspection each year to avoid missing any deadlines. You can schedule inspections for multiple properties with the same Licensed Master Plumber to streamline the process.
Is Local Law 152 the same as a regular plumbing inspection?
No. Local Law 152 is a specific inspection focused solely on natural gas piping systems. It’s separate from other building inspections or routine plumbing maintenance. The inspection must be performed by a Licensed Master Plumber and follows specific requirements outlined in the law. It’s not a substitute for regular plumbing maintenance, and regular plumbing work does not satisfy the LL 152 requirement.
Can I be fined if I complete the inspection but forget to submit the paperwork?
Yes. Completing the physical inspection is only part of the requirement. You must also submit the required certifications and reports to the NYC Department of Buildings by the deadline. If you complete the inspection but fail to submit the paperwork, you can still be subject to violations and fines. Make sure your Licensed Master Plumber helps you with the filing process, or confirm that you’ve received and submitted all necessary documentation.
Why was Local Law 152 created?
Local Law 152 was created in response to a series of disasters in New York City caused by improperly installed or maintained natural gas plumbing systems. These incidents, including explosions and fires, resulted in deaths, injuries, and significant property damage. The law was designed to use regular, mandatory inspections to identify and address gas system problems before they become emergencies, making NYC buildings safer for residents, workers, and visitors.
How often do I need to have an LL 152 inspection?
Local Law 152 inspections are required once every four years, based on your property’s community district. Each community district is assigned a specific year within the four-year cycle. Once you complete your first inspection, you’ll need to repeat it four years later. For example, if your district was inspected in 2025, your next inspection will be due in 2029. It’s important to keep track of your inspection cycle to avoid missing future deadlines.
What should I do if I’m buying a property and don’t know its LL 152 status?
If you’re purchasing a property, you should ask the seller about the Local Law 152 inspection status as part of your due diligence. Find out when the last inspection was completed, whether any repairs were required, and when the next inspection is due based on the property’s community district. If the property is due for an inspection soon or has a pending violation, that should factor into your purchase decision and negotiations. You can also check with the NYC Department of Buildings to see if there are any open violations related to LL 152.
Can I use any plumber, or does it have to be a Licensed Master Plumber?
It must be a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) who is specifically licensed in New York City. A general plumber or a plumber licensed in another state or municipality cannot perform Local Law 152 inspections. The LMP designation is a specific credential that requires extensive training, experience, and testing. Make sure you verify that your plumber has a current NYC LMP license before scheduling your inspection.
What if I just had my gas system inspected for another reason?
Even if you’ve had your gas system inspected or serviced recently for another reason, you still need to complete a Local Law 152 inspection during your district’s scheduled year. Other inspections, even if performed by a Licensed Master Plumber, do not satisfy the LL 152 requirement unless they were specifically conducted as an LL 152 inspection and the proper paperwork was submitted to the Department of Buildings.
Are there any exemptions to Local Law 152?
The primary exemption is for buildings in the R-3 occupancy group, which includes properties with no more than two dwelling units and fewer than 20 occupants (such as single-family homes and duplexes). Additionally, if your building has gas piping but no active gas service, you’re exempt from the physical inspection – but you still need to submit documentation proving that gas service has been discontinued. Beyond these exemptions, most buildings with natural gas service are subject to LL 152.
What’s the difference between the inspection report and the certification?
The Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report is a detailed document that outlines what was inspected, any problems found, and what repairs are needed. This report is provided to you within 30 days of the inspection. The Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification is a signed document from the Licensed Master Plumber confirming that the inspection was completed. The certification is what you submit to the NYC Department of Buildings to prove compliance. Both documents are important, but the certification is what satisfies the legal requirement.
Will the Licensed Master Plumber handle all the paperwork filing?
Most Licensed Master Plumbers will help you with the paperwork filing process as part of their service, but it’s important to confirm this when you hire them. Some plumbers will submit the certifications to the Department of Buildings on your behalf, while others will provide you with the completed forms and expect you to file them yourself. Make sure you understand who is responsible for filing so that you don’t miss the deadline.
Can I complete my inspection in January if my deadline is December 31st?
No. The deadline is firm. If your community district’s deadline is December 31st of a given year, you must have the inspection completed and the certification filed by that date. You cannot complete it in January of the following year without being in violation and subject to fines. This is why it’s recommended to schedule your inspection early in the year rather than waiting until the fall or winter.
What if repairs are too expensive and I can’t afford them right away?
If the inspection reveals repairs that are beyond your immediate budget, you should discuss options with your Licensed Master Plumber. Depending on the severity of the issues, you may be able to prioritize critical safety repairs first and address less urgent problems later within the allowed timeframe (120 or 180 days). However, you cannot delay repairs indefinitely – failure to complete required repairs can result in violations, fines, and potential interruption of gas service. Some property owners explore financing options or payment plans with their plumber to manage the cost.
Does Local Law 152 apply to new buildings?
Yes, but with some nuance. If a building is newly constructed or is installing gas service for the first time, it must have an LL 152 inspection completed within the year that gas service begins, regardless of the scheduled inspection year for that community district. After that initial inspection, the building will follow the regular four-year inspection cycle based on its community district.
What is the penalty for completing the inspection but not doing required repairs?
If you complete the inspection but fail to make required repairs within the specified timeframe (120 or 180 days), you can face violations, additional fines, and potential interruption of your gas service. The Department of Buildings and the gas utility company are notified of significant hazards, and they will follow up to ensure repairs are completed. Ignoring required repairs puts your building, tenants, and neighbors at risk and can result in escalating penalties.