Feb 15 Is Safety Day in NYC Buildings: What You Need to Know

February 15, 2026•4 min read

If you’re on a co-op or condo board in NYC, February 15 is not just another date on the calendar. It’s one of the most important safety deadlines of the year. Miss it, and you risk violations, fines, and putting residents — especially children — in danger.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s due, why it matters, and how to stay ahead.

What’s Due Every Feb 15 in NYC Buildings?

By February 15, NYC buildings are required to distribute several safety notices from HPD (Housing Preservation & Development) and FDNY. Starting in 2026, even more is tied to this date.

Here’s what you’re responsible for:

Every year by Feb 15

Window Guard Notice (HPD)
Stove Knob Cover Notice (HPD)
Lead Paint Annual Notice (HPD)
FDNY Fire Safety Checklist & Bulletin (moved from April 1 to Feb 15 starting in 2026)

Every other year starting in 2026

♨️ Steam Radiator Safety Notice (HPD – Int. 925-A / Local Law 151)

These notices are about everyday risks inside apartments — windows, kitchens, paint, heat, and fire safety.

If you’ve ever searched for “window guard notice deadline NYC” or “stove knob cover notice NYC,” this is the date you were looking for.

What Are These Notices Actually Asking?

Each notice is simple, but powerful. You’re asking residents things like:

Does a child under 6 live here or regularly visit?
Do you need window guards installed?
Would you like stove knob covers to prevent burns?
Here is your required lead paint safety notice.
(Every two years) Do you need protection for hot steam radiators?
Here’s what to do if there’s a fire in your building.

You’re not just sending forms.
You’re finding the apartments where extra protection can prevent accidents.

Feb 15 vs. March: Why Two Dates Matter

This is where many boards get tripped up.

Feb 15 = Send the notices

You must deliver all required notices to every apartment by this date.

By mid-March = Follow up

If residents don’t respond, you’re required to make “reasonable attempts” to collect answers, such as:

A second mailing
Hand delivery
Certified mail
Door knocks with notes kept

👉 Think of it this way:
Feb 15 = ask the question.
March = prove you tried to get the answer.

Both matter if HPD or FDNY ever asks.

Who Is Responsible for This?

In most buildings, the work is handled by:

The property manager
The super or building staff
Or a compliance service

But here’s the truth:
Even if someone else does the task, the board and ownership are still responsible.

If notices aren’t sent, or there’s no proof of follow-up, it’s the building — not the vendor — that gets the violation.

You can delegate the work.
You can’t delegate the liability.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Missing these notices can lead to:

HPD or FDNY violations
Fines and penalties
Legal exposure if someone is hurt
Loss of resident trust
Problems during refinancing, audits, or sales

And beyond fines, there’s the real risk:

A child falling from a window
Burns from stoves or radiators
Lead exposure
Residents not knowing what to do in a fire

These are exactly the situations these laws were created to prevent.

Why NYC Requires These Notices

These rules exist because accidents happened before — too many times.

NYC learned that:

Families change.
Kids grow.
New residents move in.

So the city doesn’t want buildings guessing.

They want you to ask every year — and now also:

Every two years for radiator safety, and
Every year for fire safety info by Feb 15.

Simple questions save lives.

How to Stay on Top of Feb 15 Without Stress

Here’s what works in well-run buildings:

✔️ Put all deadlines on one master calendar
✔️ Use HPD and FDNY approved templates
✔️ Start early — late January is ideal
✔️ Track who responded and who didn’t
✔️ Keep proof of follow-ups
✔️ Review everything at the board level

Pro tip:
Don’t rely on memory or sticky notes. Systems beat stress every time.