At Empire Plumbing, most of the time when we provide information for LL 152 inspections, we’re focused mostly on property owners: the people that are responsible for the inspections.
But the thing is that Local Law 152 inspections are a safety issue, and one that is specifically designed for tenant safety. When you have a building with 3 or more residential units, you need an inspection every four years to make sure that your tenants are safe.
If you’re a tenant, this is an inspection that benefits you as well, which means that you may want to make sure that your landlord completed this inspection and, if not, encourage them to contact a Licensed Master Plumber (like Empire Plumbing!) for both their sake and yours.
What is Local Law 152?
Local Law 152 (LL 152) of 2016 is part of New York City’s broader safety effort to reduce the risk of gas-related incidents in residential and mixed-use buildings. This law requires gas piping inspections in buildings every four years, with inspections performed by a licensed master plumber.
If you’re a tenant or unit owner in a building that falls under LL 152, and you’re unsure whether your landlord or managing agent has fulfilled their legal obligation, there are several ways to find out. For example:
Ask Your Landlord or Property Manager Directly
Request the inspection date and the name of the licensed master plumber who performed it. You can also ask for a copy of the GPS2 certification form that was submitted to the DOB. Landlords are not legally required to provide this document to tenants unless requested, but they should have it available for their records.
Search the NYC Department of Buildings Website
Visit the NYC DOB Building Information System (BIS) or DOB NOW portal. Enter your building’s address or BIN (Building Identification Number). Look under the “Compliance Filings” or “Gas Piping Inspection” section for submitted LL 152 documents. If no filing appears and your building was due for inspection that year, it may indicate that the owner has not complied.
Contact NYC 311 or the Department of Buildings
You can call 311 or submit a complaint online to inquire about potential non-compliance or to report suspected safety violations. In some cases, DOB will issue violations or penalties for missed inspection deadlines, which will also appear in public records.
Look for Signage or Access Notices
For buildings with gas service, LL 152 inspections may require access to mechanical rooms or parts of individual units. Notices for scheduled inspections may have been posted in building common areas or delivered to tenants. If you never received such notices and no entry was requested, it may be a sign the inspection was not completed.
Why LL 152 Compliance Matters
Failure to complete LL 152 inspections can result in:
- DOB violations and civil penalties for the building owner
- Increased risk of undetected gas leaks or piping failures
- Delays in gas service restoration or building permits
As a tenant, you have the right to feel safe in your building. Confirming compliance with LL 152 is a reasonable step – especially in older buildings or those with a history of plumbing or gas issues.
While LL 152 compliance is primarily the landlord’s responsibility, tenants can and should verify that safety inspections are completed on schedule. By checking with your landlord, searching public DOB records, and staying informed about local building safety laws, you help protect your own well-being and hold property owners accountable to city regulations.
If you believe your building is not compliant, it may be appropriate to file a report or consult with a tenants’ rights organization for further guidance. However, most of the time, your landlord will move forward with an inspection, especially as they learn more about the risks and fees. If so, have them contact Empire Plumbing, today.