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Last year's overhaul of the federal flood insurance program, the adoption of new flood maps for high-risk areas, and the impact of Hurricane Sandy are all contributing to a substantial impact on flood insurance rates in the New York region. As a result, government officials, grass-roots organizations and building owners are mobilizing to prevent the higher premiums from taking hold.

Two Astoria landlords are fighting the city over billboards on their residential buildings, both located on the north side of Astoria Blvd. near the Grand Central Parkway. In 2011, the city presented each owner with a fine and informed them that the billboards—both of which dated to the World War II era—were out of compliance with the law. One owner was initially fined $30,000 in 2011 for the billboard. He appealed, and the fines were reduced to $800. But the owner is afraid the city could ticket him again unless the sign is grandfathered in.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Operations Cas Holloway, and Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty recently launched the new “Recycle Everything” public information campaign to promote recycling and announce the expansion of the organic food waste recycling program. The initiatives are part of the city’s work to double the recycling rate to 30 percent by 2017 and follow the largest expansion of the recycling program in 25 years with the processing of all rigid plastics that began last spring.

Choosing the right tenant is one of the most important decisions an owner can make. The right tenants pay their rent on time, don’t cause any legal problems, and keep their apartments in good condition. To choose the best tenant among applicants, an owner should rely on a thorough screening process that includes checking references, verifying employment, and obtaining credit and background reports.

Mayor Bloomberg recently signed legislation moving the deadline to file the annual real property income and expense statement with the DOF's property division from Sept. 1 to June 1.

According to statements made by Mayor Bloomberg, "moving the filing deadline will provide the Finance Department with more time to review the information submitted, yielding more accurate and transparent assessments for these properties."

The DOB recently announced the start of the Department’s No-Penalty Deck and Porch Inspection Program, a citywide initiative that allows New Yorkers to request a free inspection of their decks and porches without the threat of receiving a violation. This is the fourth consecutive year the Department has offered free “no-penalty” inspections to ensure that New Yorkers enjoy a healthy and safe summer season. Property owners can request an inspection through Aug. 1, 2013, by calling 311.

A Bronx County Housing Court judge issued a warrant for an owner's arrest on July 3, ordering him remanded until the violations at his apartment building are corrected. The owner has ignored the city’s requests to make dozens of repairs needed to fix up the building. This is not the first time the city has arrested a property owner for letting a building fall into disrepair. There have been four previous cases since 2006, including the arrest of three Brooklyn landlords in 2011.

Hot temperatures during summer and early fall months make it tempting for tenants to go up on the roof and sunbathe, barbecue, or just cool off from their hot apartments. Unfortunately, allowing tenants on the roof of your building can cause you many problems, such as code violation citations and liability for property damage and injuries.

Recently, an administrative judge levied a fine against a resident who rented out his apartment on a short-term basis through Airbnb, a company that facilitates short-term rentals. The administrative law judge with the New York City Environmental Control Board stated that he had violated a city law against operating illegal hotels. According to a 2010 law, it’s illegal in NYC to rent out a home for fewer than 29 days.

The federal government has approved New York City’s plan to spend the first $1.77 billion in aid for Hurricane Sandy recovery, with the money expected to start flowing by early summer to homeowners, businesses, and others in need. According to the city’s plan, approximately $648 million will go to programs to rebuild homes and make them more storm-resistant. That amount also includes $9 million for rental subsidies for up to 24 months intended mostly for low-income renters and people at risk of homelessness.