Our partner, Jonathan H. Newman, was quoted in yesterday's New York Times responding to a reader's question.
Here's the piece, that ran on Sunday, August 28, 2011, in its entirety:
The Installation Of an Air-Conditioner
Q I am a tenant in a five-story rent-stabilized building. My landlord informed me in a letter that the law requires me to hire a licensed contractor to install a bracket under my small window air-conditioner. There is nothing about this in my lease. What am I required to do by law?
A Jonathan H. Newman, a Manhattan real estate lawyer, said that while all air-conditioners must be installed in a "safe, stable and secure manner," no particular installation method is mandated other than for machines larger than 36,000 B.T.U. But because an improper installation can expose both landlord and tenant to personal liability, it's in everyone's best interests to ensure that the unit is securely attached. More information can be found on the Department of Buildings Web site at www.nyc.gov . (Search for air-conditioner installation tips.)