Stove Knob Cover Notice: What Owners Must Do
Gas stove knobs are right at a toddler's eye level. Since 2018, NYC has required owners to offer stove knob covers to tenants. It's another yearly notice rather than a lobby sign, and it's easy to keep up with once you know the steps.
The quick answer
In short: Under Local Law 117 of 2018 (HMC Section 27-2046.4), owners of multiple dwellings must send an annual notice to each apartment with a gas stove, offering stove knob covers. Owners must provide covers within 30 days to units with a child under 6, or to any tenant who asks, and keep records for 5 years.
Step by step
- 1Send the annual noticeTo every tenant with a gas stove, using HPD's form in English and Spanish.
- 2Tenant repliesThey check yes or no and return the form to you by the date you set.
- 3Provide coversWithin 30 days for units with a child under 6, or any tenant who asks. Replacements are required up to twice a year.
- 4Keep recordsFor 5 years, ready if HPD asks.
What records to keep
Signed forms from tenants who said no.
Your efforts to reach units with a young child that didn't return the form.
Units that got covers, and tenants who asked for them.
Units where covers couldn't be provided, like no compatible cover or no gas stove.
Who it applies to
Owners of multiple dwellings with gas stoves. Owner occupied co-op or condo units used as the owner's primary home are excluded. If a unit has an electric stove, the rule doesn't apply to that unit. Not sure which apartments have gas? That's the same list you'll need for natural gas detectors (due January 1, 2027, unless HPD extends it) and CO alarms.
Is there a sign?
HPD's rule doesn't require a lobby posting for stove knob covers. The notice goes to each tenant. A short lobby reminder in January, like the one many owners use for the window guard notice, can boost replies.
Need a January notice reminder for your lobby? See custom signs
Timing
The first notice was due January 5, 2019, and it's been yearly since. HPD lets owners combine it with other annual notices, so most send it in January with the window guard notice and the smoking policy. Check HPD's notice page each year for the current form.
What this looks like in practice
Say a 12 unit building has gas stoves in every kitchen. In January, the owner sends the stove knob form with the window guard notice. Two families ask for covers, and one tenant with a 3 year old doesn't reply. The super drops covers off to all three within a few weeks and notes the dates in a simple log.
Tips from our shop
- Buy covers in bulk.
Universal covers fit most stoves and are cheap in packs.
- Use one tracking sheet.
Track window guards, stove covers and alarms in one place per unit.
- Keep the forms.
Signed refusals are your proof if HPD ever asks. See the checklist for the signs side.
Official sources: HPD stove knob cover rules, HPD Required Signage and Notices.
Quick answers
Do NYC landlords have to provide stove knob covers?
Yes, for gas stoves in multiple dwellings, to units with a child under 6 or any tenant who asks.
How fast must covers be provided?
Within 30 days of the notice or request.
How long do I keep stove knob records?
Five years.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.