The Rise of Legionnaires’ Disease in Harlem: What NYC Residents Need to Know and When Landlords May Be at Fault

BLITZ LAW GROUP
Aug 7
3 min read

In recent months, Legionnaires’ disease cases have spiked across Harlem, leaving many residents concerned—and rightfully so. This dangerous illness, which is often linked to poor building maintenance and outdated water systems, can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

But what most people don’t know is that some cases of Legionnaires’ disease are preventable—and in many instances, building owners or landlords may be legally responsible.

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What Is it and Why Is Legionnaires Disease Affecting Harlem Residents?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm, stagnant water. When people breathe in tiny droplets of water that contain the bacteria—often from cooling towers, plumbing systems, showers, or air conditioning units—they can become infected.

While it isn’t contagious person-to-person, it can quickly become a public health issue in densely populated areas like Harlem. In particular, Harlem is home to mostly decades or century-old buildings with landlord negligence and premises neglect being a major community issue.

Illustration of human lungs with a highlight showing bacteria in a circular inset. Lungs are in red, bacteria are blue and white. — Diagram of Legionnaires Disease bacteria in the lungs

How Are NYC Residents Exposed?

Legionella bacteria can grow and spread in various parts of large buildings if water systems aren’t properly maintained. In Harlem, this has been a recurring issue in public housing complexes, residential buildings, and commercial properties.

Common sources of Legionella exposure include:

• Cooling towers on rooftops

• Poorly maintained hot water tanks

• Showers and faucets in old buildings

• Jacuzzis, pools, or decorative fountains

• HVAC systems in multi-unit dwellings

In 2025 alone, NYC’s Department of Health has already issued multiple alerts about clusters of Legionnaires’ disease in the Harlem area—prompting inspections and water testing across the borough.

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Symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease

Symptoms typically develop 2 to 14 days after exposure and can include:

• High fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle aches

• Headache

• Nausea or confusion

For seniors, people with chronic illness, or those with weakened immune systems, Legionnaires’ can be fatal. In recent NYC cases, multiple hospitalizations and several deaths have occurred.

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Can Landlords Be Held Responsible?

Yes. In many cases, landlords or building owners may be held legally liable if they failed to:

• Maintain proper water system temperatures

• Conduct regular water testing

• Clean and disinfect building plumbing or cooling systems

• Comply with New York City Health Code regulations

New York City Local Law 77 and Chapter 8 of the NYC Health Code require the registration, inspection, and routine maintenance of cooling towers. A landlord’s failure to comply with these laws—especially in the face of a known outbreak—may be considered negligence.

If you’ve contracted Legionnaires’ disease and suspect that building conditions played a role, you may have a personal injury claim against the property owner or management company.