Basement/Cellar

Basement/Cellar Hazards

Flood Risk

Due to their placement, basement/cellar units are at highest risk of flooding. In 2021, Hurricane Ida claimed the lives of 13 New Yorkers- 11 of whom drowned inside of basement/cellar units. As climate change continues to impact extreme weather events, more lives could be at risk.Floods can also lead to structural damage inside the unit and destroy belongings. Displacement after a flood may lead to worsened mental health outcomes such as PTSD or anxiety.

Limited Point of Egress

Basement/Cellar apartments often do not meet egress window requirements. Windows should have an unobstructed opening, at least 5.7 square feet in area. Regulations are in place to keep inhabitants safe in the case of an emergency evacuation. Given that these units are illegal, these protections are not in place and put residents at risk in the case of a flood or fire.

Mold Risk

Limited window size/ obstructed windows offer little ventilation or airflow in these units. Thus, basement/cellar units tend to retain moisture and humidity, and offer little light: all factors that encourage mold growth. Other sources of mold include leaking pipes or plumbing.

Pests

The most common household pests found in basement/cellar apartments are centipedes, spiders, and water bugs. These pests thrive in dark, damp environments. While most insects are harmless, the presence of these pests can lead to mental distress for residents who experience this daily.