Top NYC Building Violations: Identify and Resolve Them Effectively

What if the real threat to your property isn’t a tenant issue, a slow market, or rising taxes, but a $500 fine quietly racking up interest behind the scenes? Thousands of buildings across NYC are tagged for violations that their owners don’t even know about. DOB infractions. HPD complaints. ECB summonses that never reached the mailbox. They sit in city records, ticking up late fees, blocking sales, stalling permits, and blindsiding your next move.

Here’s the kicker: Most of these violations are fixable. But only if you know what to look for, where to check, and how to close them out fast.

In this article, you’ll get:

• A breakdown of the most common NYC building violations—and why some cost way more than others
• How to check your property’s current violation status across DOB, HPD, and ECB
• Tactics to dispute, correct, or certify violations the right way (and what not to do)
• The paperwork and timelines NYC agencies don’t clearly explain, but absolutely expect
• A smarter system to track issues before they escalate

According to the NYC Department of Buildings, over 1.1 million violations have been issued in the past five years. Thousands are still active. Many have doubled in cost due to inaction.

One missed deadline can delay a refinance or block a sale entirely. So if you’re managing a property—or several—you can’t afford to play catch-up. Let’s break the problem down, violation by violation. Then we’ll show you how to fix it, file it, and move on. Ready? Let’s get into it.

Why Some NYC Violations Drain Your Wallet Fast

Not all building violations are the same. Some are minor slaps on the wrist. Others snowball into five-figure fines and stop work orders that freeze entire projects. The difference? It’s usually who issued it, what category it falls under, and how long it sits unresolved. Let’s break down the most common ones—and why ignoring certain types can tank your timeline or budget overnight.

Department of Buildings (DOB) Violations

DOB violations are the backbone of NYC code enforcement. They stem from construction activity, structural integrity, zoning issues, and safety code breaches. They’re governed under the NYC Construction Codes and Zoning Resolution, and all enforcement flows through DOB’s Building Information System (BIS) or DOB NOW platform.

Violation classes and impact:

• Class 1 – Immediately Hazardous: These trigger civil penalties and daily accruing fines. You’ll typically see them issued for things like:
  • Work without a permit
  • Illegal structural modifications
  • Unsafe conditions affecting life safety (e.g., gas lines, load-bearing walls, open shafts)
• If not corrected and certified, these violations stall permit issuance, inspections, and Certificate of Occupancy (CO) updates.
• Class 2 – Major: Common for egress violations, fire stopping failures, and failure to maintain structural components.
• Class 3 – Lesser infractions: Often administrative, like expired permits or missing safety signage, but still must be corrected and certified within set deadlines.

Key concern: Failure to correct and certify (via AEU2 form or through DOB NOW) results in civil penalties and can block future permits or place a property on the DOB’s “No Work Permits” list.

Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) Violations

HPD violations focus on habitability, tenant safety, and building maintenance, especially in multifamily and rent-regulated housing. These violations are driven by tenant complaints, proactive inspections, or audit sweeps. They’re codified under the Housing Maintenance Code (HMC).

Violation classes:

• Class A – Non-Hazardous: E.g., dirty hallways, cracked paint, minor plumbing leaks
  – Must be corrected within 90 days
• Class B – Hazardous: E.g., mold, inadequate lighting, minor infestations
  – Deadline: 30 days
• Class C – Immediately Hazardous: E.g., lack of heat/hot water, lead paint in child-occupied units, major rodent infestation, illegal locks on fire exits
  – Deadline: 24 hours

Penalty structure: HPD violations don’t always include an automatic fine. Instead, they:

• Can result in emergency repairs billed back to the owner (with surcharges)
• Trigger civil court actions or litigation by HPD
• Lead to the denial of J-51 or 421-a tax benefit applications if not resolved

Certification: Property owners must correct and certify via the eCertification portal. Failure to certify may place the building in the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP), which brings mandatory inspections and aggressive follow-up.

Environmental Control Board (ECB) Summonses (Now OATH Hearings Division)

These violations cover administrative and quality-of-life codes issued by agencies like DOB, DEP, DSNY, and DOT. Every ECB/OATH summons includes a hearing date, and the violation is adjudicated at OATH’s Environmental Control Board.

Common ECB-triggered violations include:

• Work without a permit (DOB)
• Asbestos or air quality breaches (DEP)
• Sidewalk obstructions (DOT)
• Improper waste storage (DSNY)

Penalty structure:

• Fines vary by agency and code section
• Most summonses include a “cure-by” date to correct without penalty
• Failure to appear results in a default judgment, often at the maximum statutory fine
• Defaults can be docketed as civil judgments with the NYC Department of Finance

Key risk: Active ECB judgments block permit applications, financing, and CO renewals across all agencies.

Fire Department (FDNY) Violations

FDNY enforces fire safety compliance across commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties. Violations are issued during scheduled inspections, tenant complaints, or during joint-agency sweeps.

Two violation types:

• Notice of Violation (VC violation)
  Issued for routine infractions—e.g., missing extinguishers, obstructed exits, expired permits.
  – Must be corrected and certified via the FDNY’s online portal or in person.
• Summons/ Criminal Court Violations (C violations)
  More serious. May include:
  • Locked egress routes
  • Tampered fire alarm or sprinkler systems
  • Operating without a required FDNY permit
• These require an appearance in criminal court, not just administrative correction.

Key issues:

• Unresolved violations can lead to padlock orders or shutdowns
• Delay in certification or hearing compliance prevents issuance/renewal of Public Assembly permits or COs
• Repeat violations lead to higher fines and risk of criminal liability

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Violations

DEP enforces noise, air, water, and hazardous material rules under NYC’s Environmental Control Code and the NYC Noise Code. Their violations affect both construction and operational properties.

Frequent triggers:

• Noise during restricted hours (jackhammers, HVAC systems)
• Missing or expired backflow prevention test reports
• Illegal asbestos removal
• Lack of permits for regulated equipment (boilers, generators)

How enforcement works:

• Most DEP violations are tagged as ECB/OATH summonses, with attached hearing dates
• Certain infractions—like failing to submit annual backflow test reports—incur automatic late penalties, then escalate to property-wide enforcement actions

Correction process:

• Violations must be addressed with certified correction forms submitted via DEP’s online portal
• Asbestos violations also require third-party air monitoring and abatement firm documentation

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Violations

The DEC operates at the state level, but its reach extends into NYC whenever environmental impact or hazardous material handling is involved. They issue violations tied to fuel storage, air emissions, waste disposal, and site contamination.

Top violation areas in NYC:

• Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) – Improper removal, failure to register tanks, lack of monitoring systems
• Spill Reporting – Failure to notify DEC of leaks or petroleum spills
• Hazardous Waste – Mislabeling, storage violations, unauthorized disposal
• Construction Dewatering – Discharging groundwater without a valid SPDES permit

Penalty range:

• Civil penalties can exceed $37,500 per day per violation, especially for repeated or willful offenses
• Enforcement actions can include site shutdowns, revocation of environmental permits, or mandated environmental remediation

Operational risk: DEC violations can delay or stop construction, especially in brownfield redevelopment or large-scale projects with fuel systems or known environmental histories.

Department of Health (DOH) Violations

The NYC DOH regulates food establishments, medical facilities, residential shelters, and any building with public health exposure. Violations span sanitation, vector control, and disease prevention.

Common DOH violation categories:

• Food service sanitation – Improper food handling, cross-contamination risks, and unclean surfaces
• Rodent and vector activity – Evidence of rats, roaches, or standing water that breeds mosquitoes
• Cooling towers – Failure to register, inspect, or treat cooling towers under Local Law 77 (legionella risk)
• Lead paint – Noncompliance with Local Law 1 of 2004 for child-occupied units

Penalty structure:

• DOH violations may trigger inspection fees, grading penalties (for food establishments), and civil penalties up to thousands per infraction
• Cooling tower violations include daily fines and potential referrals to DOB for enforcement freezes

Reputational and legal impact: Violations can force public disclosures (e.g., restaurant letter grades), increase liability exposure, and invite multi-agency review in larger buildings or public-facing operations.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Violations

DOT enforces compliance related to sidewalks, curbs, streets, scaffolding, roadwork, and public right-of-way use. Most violations stem from work performed without permits or in violation of approved work conditions.

Primary violation types:

• Sidewalk Defects – Cracks, trip hazards, tree root damage, improper slope
• Unauthorized Occupancy – Dumpsters, construction fences, cranes, or scaffolding without a DOT permit
• Street Excavation – Digging or utility work done without a Street Opening Permit
• Curb Cuts – Illegal driveway installation or modifications without DOT and DOB approval

Penalty details:

• Fines range from $250 to $10,000+ per incident, depending on whether pedestrian safety or public infrastructure was compromised
• DOT may also require restoration work at the owner’s expense, especially if street or sidewalk conditions were altered without approval

Project delays: Open DOT violations often trigger stop work orders and delay approvals for street access permits on adjacent projects.

Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Violations

DSNY handles waste management, street cleanliness, and recycling enforcement. While they may appear minor, DSNY violations stack up fast, and many buildings are cited repeatedly for the same infractions.

Typical violations include:

• Improper waste storage – Trash not in bins, unsealed bags, placement outside permitted hours
• Obstruction of sidewalk – Bulk items, garbage overflow, or snow/ice not cleared
• Failure to recycle – Not separating paper, plastic, and metal per NYC rules
• Illegal dumping – Construction debris or furniture dumped without DSNY-approved removal methods

Penalty scale:

• Standard fines run from $100 to $300 per citation, but multiple infractions within a short period can lead to escalated penalties and lien placements
• Bulk violations can be referred to OATH/ECB for additional penalties and court proceedings

Hidden risk: DSNY fines are frequent and recurring, and many don’t show up in typical title reports—yet they impact lien clearances and DOB permit approvals.

Department of Finance (DOF) Violations

While DOF doesn’t issue “violations” in the traditional sense, it flags properties for noncompliance with tax regulations, which can severely restrict transactional or operational activity.

Key compliance issues include:

• Unpaid Property Taxes or Water Charges – Triggers property tax liens and tax lien sales
• Misclassified Building Use – E.g., residential properties misfiled as commercial to reduce tax rates
• Improper Tax Exemptions – 421-a or J-51 benefits claimed without eligibility or required documentation
• Open ECB/OATH Judgments – DOF converts unpaid fines into enforceable judgments with interest

Consequences:

• DOF flags can block property transfers, refinances, and permit applications
• Liens are public and may be sold to third-party debt buyers, leading to foreclosure actions if unresolved
• Interest accrues monthly on outstanding balances, and default interest rates can exceed 18% annually

Where to Find Violation Data That Actually Matters?

City agencies don’t share one clean database. That’s the first issue. The second? Most owners assume they’re in the clear because they haven’t received a notice. However, violations can remain unnoticed in city systems—until they block a permit, delay a refinance, or shut down a job site midstream.

Here’s how to find what’s really tied to your property, broken down by agency.

Department of Buildings (DOB)

Start with the DOB Building Information System (BIS) or DOB NOW. BIS works better for legacy violations and historical permits. DOB NOW handles newer submissions, façade compliance, and active enforcement items.

What to search:

• Address or BIN (Building Identification Number)
• Look for AEUHAZ (Class 1) and AEU2 forms
• Check for open Work Without a Permit cases or Stop Work Orders

Pro tip: Don’t stop at the overview. Click into each complaint or violation tab individually. Some are hidden under different filing types (e.g., façade, elevator, boiler).

Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

Use HPD’s Violation Search Tool. It tracks violations going back decades, including active AEP designations.

What to check:

• Class C violations (these have the highest downstream impact)
• Heat and hot water complaints, especially during winter inspection cycles
• AEP placement or history of litigation

Many HPD violations are listed by lot or BBL, not address, so use the full borough-block-lot code for precision.

Environmental Control Board / OATH Summonses

Use the OATH Summons Finder to track active or past Environmental Control Board summonses. These may originate from DOB, DEP, DOT, DSNY, or FDNY.

Search by:

• Address
• Respondent (LLC or individual owner)
• ECB Violation or OATH Index Number if available

Look for:

• Hearing status (missed hearings = default judgments)
• Balance due
• Whether the summons is marked as complied, pending, or defaulted

Fire Department (FDNY)

FDNY violations aren’t always on public portals. They’re often mailed and logged by premise number, not just address.

Your best bet:

• Call the FDNY’s Public Certification Unit
• Request copies of all VC and C-class violations tied to your location
• For buildings with a Public Assembly Permit, check for operational inspections and permit holds

Some information may require a FOIL (Freedom of Information Law) request if it is not immediately accessible.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

DEP violations, including noise complaints, asbestos filings, and backflow test status, are partially accessible via:

• DEP Asbestos Control Program Portal
• Backflow test compliance is tracked via the NYC Cross Connection Control Unit

Check:

• Annual test submission dates
• Open enforcement items linked to air quality or water discharge

Note: Most DEP violations are later escalated to ECB summonses, so you may also need to check via OATH’s system.

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

There is no central NYC portal for DEC flags. Instead, search:

• NYS DEC Info Locator
• Cross-check for SPDES permits, remediation flags, or spill records
• Use the facility/site name or address

If your property is part of a brownfield or known contaminated site, you’ll need to review state-level enforcement databases.

Department of Health (DOH)

Check DOH records by:

• Letter grades and inspection reports for food-related sites
• Cooling tower compliance via DOHMH Cooling Tower Portal

Cooling tower data includes:

• Inspection submission status
• Water quality test results
• Enforcement notices or overdue filings

Department of Transportation (DOT)

DOT violations are usually tied to permit records or inspections found via:

• Street Works Permit Management System (Street Permit Management)
• In-person record request at the borough permit office

Cross-reference any expired or closed street opening permits, which may have outstanding fines or restoration requirements.

Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

Most DSNY violations are physical paper tickets or ECB summonses filed under the same enforcement umbrella. There’s no standalone DSNY database, so use:

• OATH Summons Finder
• NYC Open Data for Sanitation Violations (if you know the specific date or type)

Also, check property mailboxes and Super’s logs. Many DSNY tickets are hand-delivered or posted onsite with no digital trail.

Department of Finance (DOF)

DOF doesn’t issue violations, but tracks open balances and tax liens that can block any transactional activity.

Use:

• NYC Property Tax Public Access
• Search by address or BBL

Review:

• Open tax charges
• ECB/OATH judgment liens
• Outstanding interest or charges tied to payment plans

Tracking violations across DOB, HPD, ECB, FDNY, and the rest isn’t a one-tab job. Each agency runs on its own system, uses its own codes, and expects you to keep up without missing a beat. If you’re managing multiple properties, running job sites, or underwriting deals, staying ahead of violations shouldn’t be a full-time job. But ignore it, and the fallout lands squarely on your desk.

That’s where ViolationWatch comes in. It’s a real-time monitoring platform that tracks building violations, complaints, and compliance issues across every major NYC agency. The moment a new violation hits city records, you get alerted—so you can act fast, assign the right team, and shut down the penalty clock before it starts.

No spreadsheets. No agency-hopping. Just one dashboard that keeps your properties clean, your timelines moving, and your budget intact.

How to Fix Violations Without Making Things Worse?

Correcting a violation in NYC isn’t just about doing the work. It’s about doing it the way each agency expects, documenting every step, and filing the right paperwork—on time, in the right place. Get one step wrong, and you don’t just delay the close-out—you trigger new fines, re-inspections, or worse, default penalties that pile on top of the original issue.

Below, we’re breaking down how to handle violations from each of the major agencies—and what not to do along the way.

Department of Buildings (DOB)

For DOB violations, correction is not complete until the city accepts and processes a Certificate of Correction. Each violation is logged with a unique Violation Number, which must be referenced in all submissions.

Process overview:

• Class 1 Violations (Immediately Hazardous): Require correction within 24 hours of issuance. Correction must be documented and certified via an AEU2 form submitted through DOB NOW: Safety or DOB NOW: BIS Options (depending on issue date).
• Class 2 and Class 3 Violations: Timeframes vary. Regardless of class, corrections must be accompanied by:
  • Proof of the underlying issue’s resolution (e.g., permit sign-off, engineering report)
  • Notarized statements from a licensed professional or the property owner
  • Supporting evidence (photos, before/after comparisons, contracts)

Penalties and flags:

• Class 1 violations continue accruing fines daily until closed out.
• Outstanding violations block permit renewals and DOB filings.
• Multiple open violations may trigger Inspection Ready flags, requiring additional DOB oversight before approvals.

Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

HPD violations must be certified through the eCertification system available via HPD Online. Each class of violation carries a specific deadline for correction and certification, based on the Housing Maintenance Code (HMC).

Correction protocol:

• Class C (Immediately Hazardous): Must be corrected within 24 hours. Examples include lead paint, lack of heat, or fire safety issues. These require:
  • Physical correction
  • Upload of supporting documents (e.g., extermination receipts, contractor statements)
  • Certification of correction within the HPD portal
  • Potential reinspection (often unannounced)
• Class B and A Violations: Require correction in 30 and 90 days, respectively. Certifications are still mandatory and may require visual confirmation from HPD inspectors.

Risks of noncompliance:

• Buildings with long-standing Class C violations may be placed into the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP).
• AEP buildings are subject to annual inspections, automatic fines, and HPD-directed emergency repairs billed at premium rates.

Environmental Control Board (ECB) / OATH Summonses

ECB summonses are administrative code violations issued by DOB, DEP, DOT, DSNY, and others, and adjudicated through OATH’s Environmental Control Board.

Dispute and correction workflow:

• Respond to the Hearing: Every summons includes a hearing date. Failing to appear results in a default judgment and automatic imposition of the maximum statutory penalty.
• Cure-By Option: Some summonses qualify for a “cure-by” date. Submit proof of correction to the issuing agency before that date to avoid a fine. Cure options vary by agency and must be verified per violation.
• Post-Hearing Compliance: If fined at the hearing, payment does not resolve the underlying violation. Corrections must still be submitted directly to the originating agency (e.g., DOB, DEP), including:
  • Work permits (if required)
  • Final inspection reports
  • Notarized affidavits and supporting documentation

Noncompliance risks:

• Unresolved ECB violations convert to DOF liens.
• Defaulted judgments block property transfers, permit filings, and may be referred for lien sale or debt collection.

Fire Department (FDNY)

FDNY violations fall into two enforcement categories: VC (Violation Category) Notices and Summonses for criminal court appearances.

Correction protocol:

• VC Violations (Routine Infractions): These must be corrected by the date on the violation notice. Submit a Certificate of Correction (C of C) with:
  • Contractor or vendor documentation
  • Notarized affidavits (signed by a responsible officer or building manager)
  • Photographic evidence or purchase orders
• C-Class Summons (Criminal Offense): These require a court appearance, even if the issue is corrected beforehand. Legal representation is strongly advised.

Operational risk:

• Uncertified VC violations can result in permit holds (e.g., Public Assembly Permit, Place of Assembly Certificate).
• Repeat violations are flagged in the FDNY’s internal inspection log, which can trigger mandatory reinspection fees and more frequent audits.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

DEP enforces violations related to noise control, asbestos, air quality, stormwater, and backflow prevention.

Correction steps vary by violation type:

• Backflow Prevention Violations: Require submission of a test report from a certified tester to DEP’s Cross Connection Control Unit. Reports must be:
  • Filed annually
  • Submitted via the DEP Backflow Prevention Portal
  • Accompanied by proper device tagging and photo documentation
• Asbestos Violations: Demand correction by a licensed asbestos contractor. Documentation includes:
  • Air sampling reports
  • Notification forms (ACP-7, ACP-9)
  • Abatement contractor credentials and project log sheets

Failure to correct: DEP violations are frequently escalated to ECB summonses, meaning administrative hearings and additional penalties apply. Backflow or asbestos issues also risk enforcement referral to NYC DOHMH or NYS DEC.

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

DEC violations are governed by state-level environmental laws, typically related to hazardous material handling, petroleum bulk storage, and site contamination.

Correction protocol:

• Spill or UST Violations: Must be handled by a licensed environmental consultant. Submission includes:
  • Soil test results
  • Spill closure reports (with documentation of site remediation)
  • Photo logs and facility closure sign-off from DEC field staff
• Hazardous Waste Infractions: Require hazardous waste manifest logs, disposal documentation, and updates to the EPA ID registration if applicable.

Enforcement impact:

• DEC maintains a database of non-compliant sites, which can block state grants, tax credits, or environmental permits.
• Continued violations may result in civil enforcement or court orders under the New York Environmental Conservation Law.

Department of Health (DOH)

DOH violations typically fall under public health, food safety, vector control, or cooling tower compliance.

How to handle them:

• Cooling Tower Violations (Local Law 77):
  Require submission of:
  • Water test results (bacteriological and Legionella)
  • Maintenance logs (weekly, monthly, and annual)
  • Updated Risk Management Plans (RMPs)
• Vector Control or Sanitation:
  Pest control reports, exterminator logs, and DOH-approved treatments must be documented. DOH often requires visual verification or photos of the correction.
• Food Service Infractions:
  May include mandatory reinspection scheduling. Documentation of new equipment, updated logs, and training certificates is commonly requested.

Operational consequence: Cooling tower noncompliance results in daily fines and exposure to enforcement action under Local Laws 76 and 77. Repeat food safety violations downgrade letter grades and can trigger suspension of food handling permits.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

DOT violations stem from unauthorized sidewalk/roadwork, curb cuts, or street obstructions.

Correction requirements:

• Submit a restoration package with:
  • Post-restoration photos
  • Date-stamped documentation
  • Project permits (start, close-out, and street opening)
  • Certificate of Insurance if new work is involved
• Follow-up inspections may be required to confirm restoration to DOT specs, especially if the violation involved a pedestrian safety issue or ADA noncompliance.

Penalty risk: DOT violations carry both fines and performance bond forfeitures. Non-restored conditions may trigger city-performed work at the owner’s cost, often billed at premium labor rates.

Department of Sanitation (DSNY)

DSNY violations focus on waste storage, collection schedule compliance, snow/ice removal, and recycling errors.

Correction requirements:

• Ensure compliance with placement window rules (4 PM to midnight prior to collection)
• Use DSNY-approved containers or trash bags
• Document recurring cleaning or service schedules
• For commercial properties, keep private carter contracts and service logs on file

Repeat infractions: Properties with three or more infractions in 12 months may be referred for enhanced enforcement or flagged during title searches. Liable fines may be transferred to DOF for enforcement.

Department of Finance (DOF)

DOF doesn’t issue “violations” but flags outstanding liabilities and legal encumbrances affecting real estate.

Correction workflow:

• Pay off property tax arrears, ECB default judgments, and water/sewer charges
• If judgments exist, file for Satisfaction of Judgment using DOF’s Judgment Lien Filing Unit
• Correct misclassified use or exemption errors by submitting:
  • Form RPIE (Real Property Income & Expense)
  • Tax Class Change Requests
  • Proof of eligible exemption (e.g., 421-a or J-51 compliance reports)

Risks of delay: Open DOF items trigger liens, interest accrual, and block permit applications, financing, or sales. ECB judgment liens are particularly damaging due to automatic rollover into lien sale programs. If you’re handling multiple properties, overseeing active job sites, or running compliance for a portfolio, the real problem isn’t fixing one violation—it’s keeping every agency deadline, alert, and form straight across multiple buildings and teams.

That’s where ViolationWatch gives you leverage. Instead of logging into six different agency portals and hoping nothing slips through the cracks, ViolationWatch brings everything into one streamlined dashboard:

• All-in-One NYC Violation Monitoring
• Real-Time Alerts with Zero Delays
• AI-Powered Scanning Engine that tracks DOB, HPD, ECB, FDNY, DEP, and more
• Multi-Property Oversight with one login
• Team Collaboration Tools to assign and track resolution workflows
• Instant Access to Official Records across all key agencies
• Preventative Alerts that help you avoid fines that quietly pile into five-figure liabilities

Whether you’re a property manager trying to stay ahead of HPD timelines or a GC who needs permit clearance from DOB fast, this system handles the backend while you handle the build.

The Deadlines NYC Agencies Won’t Spell Out but Still Enforce

NYC doesn’t hand you a cheat sheet. Agencies issue violations with vague wording like “correct promptly” or “within required timeframes”—then expect you to know what those timeframes are, down to the day.

Miss one? You’ll pay for it. With late penalties. With default judgments. With blocked permits that stall projects for weeks. Below is what city agencies won’t explain clearly, but still enforce without leniency.

DOB – Department of Buildings

• Class 1 (Immediately Hazardous): Correction and AEU2 Certificate of Correction must be filed within 24 hours of issuance. Fines begin accruing daily at a rate of up to $1,000 per day until certified.
• AEU2 Filing Window: DOB requires submission within 60 days of the violation, or you risk added penalties and enforcement flags.
• Work Without Permit: If the correction involves unpermitted work, expect delays—DOB will not accept an AEU2 without corresponding permit issuance and sign-off.

HPD – Housing Preservation & Development

• Class C Violations (Heat, Lead, Mold): Correction must occur within 24 hours of issuance. Certification via the HPD eCertification portal is due immediately after correction. A reinspection may occur without notice.
• Certification Deadlines:
  • Class A: 90 days
  • Class B: 30 days
  • Class C: 24 hours
    Missing these opens the door to civil court actions or AEP placement.

OATH/ECB – Environmental Control Board Summonses

• Hearing Date: Issued on the violation itself. Missing it means a default judgment—usually the maximum fine.
• Cure-By Date: If a cure option is offered, it’s often 5–20 business days from the issuance. You must submit proof of correction directly to the originating agency, not OATH.
• Judgment Enforcement Timeline: Defaulted judgments can convert to DOF liens within 90 days of the hearing date. These liens do not go away with payment alone—you must file for a Satisfaction of Judgment.

FDNY – Fire Department

• VC Violations: Must be corrected by the date listed on the notice—typically within 30 days, but that window can be shorter if tied to permit renewals.
• C-Class Summonses: Court appearances are mandatory, and correction is not accepted in lieu of appearance. Failure to appear results in escalation to criminal court proceedings.

DEP – Environmental Protection

• Backflow Prevention: Annual test reports are due by January 15th each year. Late submissions are flagged as active violations.
• Asbestos Notifications (ACP-7, ACP-9): Must be filed 7–10 days before work starts. Retroactive filing is not accepted, and enforcement actions can begin immediately.
• Noise & Air Quality Violations: Must be cured and submitted with documentation within 30 days unless otherwise stated.

DEC – Environmental Conservation

• Spill Notifications: Must be reported to DEC immediately upon discovery. No grace period. Failure to notify can result in penalties on top of cleanup orders.
• UST Compliance Deadlines: Once a violation is issued, most corrections must be completed within 30 days, including:
  • Soil testing
  • Tank registration updates
  • Submission of closure documentation

DOH – Department of Health

• Cooling Tower Compliance (LL77):
  • Quarterly inspections required
  • Annual certification due by November 1st
  • Late filings are automatic violations with daily penalties until received
• Vector Control (Rodents, Insects): Corrections must be made immediately. There is no set grace period, and reinspection may occur within 72 hours.

DOT – Department of Transportation

• Permit Close-Outs: Must be completed within 30 days of work completion. Failure to close a permit may result in a violation and a fine.
• Sidewalk Restoration:
  Post-work restoration must match DOT specs and be completed within 45 days of violation issuance. Unrestored areas are subject to city-performed work at the owner’s cost.

DSNY – Department of Sanitation

• Collection Timing Violations: Trash must be placed for pickup no earlier than 8 PM the night before collection (or 6 PM if containerized). Violations are issued immediately outside that window.
• Repeat Violations: If more than three are issued in a rolling 12-month period, DOF enforcement escalates. There is no appeal period once transferred to DOF.

DOF – Department of Finance

• Judgment Liens (ECB/OATH): Once transferred, you have 60–90 days to clear the debt or risk inclusion in the NYC Lien Sale program.
• Property Tax Payment Deadlines: Quarterly taxes are due January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Interest accrues at a rate above the market average, compounding monthly.
• Satisfaction Filings: After payment, a Satisfaction of Judgment or Release of Lien must be filed manually to clear your property title. Payment alone does not update the city’s system.

If you’re not tracking these deadlines actively—and most owners aren’t—the city won’t remind you. It’ll penalize you. Quietly, automatically, and often with fees that snowball faster than the original fine.

A Smarter System to Track Issues Before They Escalate

You’re juggling contractors, tenants, financing, inspections—and now you’re expected to manually scan 10+ agency portals just to catch a violation before it turns into a lien? That’s not sustainable. And it’s not necessary anymore.

ViolationWatch gives you full visibility into NYC property compliance—without the legwork. It’s built for elite-level real estate professionals, construction companies, and property landlords who need clarity, speed, and control across multiple addresses and moving parts. Let’s walk through how it works, step by step.

1. Sign Up and Add Your Properties

Start with your NYC portfolio. Add as many properties as you need—residential, commercial, mixed-use, development sites. Just enter the address, label it for internal tracking (like “Phase 2 Brooklyn Holdings” or “Retail–Lease-Up”), and you’re set.

You can categorize locations however you want—by borough, project type, or asset manager. Whether it’s 1 building or 200, onboarding takes minutes. No integration headaches. No API tokens. Just data that starts working for you instantly.

2. Continuous Monitoring Across 10+ NYC Agencies

Once your properties are added, ViolationWatch kicks into gear. The system scans official records in real-time from: DOB, HPD, ECB, FDNY, DEP, DOH, DOT, DSNY, DOF, and DEC.

We’re not pulling from public dashboards or scraped listings. This is direct-source tracking, updated as soon as an agency uploads it to their database.

What it picks up:

• Open violations and complaints (DOB, HPD, DEP)
• Default judgments and hearing notices (ECB/OATH)
• Tax liens and unpaid fines (DOF)
• Environmental and cooling tower alerts (DEP, DOH, DEC)
• Reinspection triggers and active complaint activity (311 and HPD)

Nothing slips through. Not even violations that were never mailed.

3. Get Alerts the Moment Something Happens

ViolationWatch sends real-time notifications to the right people on your team. You can assign alerts to:

• Property managers
• Compliance officers
• GCs and supers
• Legal teams
• Ownership groups

Each alert includes:

• Violation type and agency
• Property and address
• Summary of the issue
• Direct links to the city’s record
• Recommended next step

You’ll get these alerts by SMS and email, and you can set up multiple contacts per building. So even if one person’s on vacation, the system still talks to the right person.

4. Take Action Before Penalties Lock In

The dashboard shows you what’s open, what’s resolved, what just came in, and what’s about to cost you money. You get:

• Color-coded summaries by violation status
• Submission history, so you know what was certified and when
• Links to supporting documentation
• A single view of all your monitored properties

And this isn’t just a reporting tool. It’s an operational one. Use the dashboard to:

• Catch DOB Class 1s before daily penalties start
• Monitor lead paint violations before HPD triggers reinspection
• Track asbestos filings before work starts
• Follow the cooling tower data before DOH audits

You get the alert. You resolve the issue. You stay out of trouble.

What Users are Saying

E. Pariente of EMP Capital put it best:

Their team used to spend hours navigating multiple portals just to keep tabs on open items. Now, the dashboard gives them a centralized, real-time view. “The alerts are instant, the interface is clean, and the peace of mind? Priceless.” ViolationWatch has become a core part of their compliance process portfolio-wide.

Meanwhile, the team at SG Construction shared something many operators can relate to:

They were checking 311 manually every morning—and still missing things. With ViolationWatch, they were alerted the moment a DOB violation was filed—hours before they would’ve caught it on their own. That early warning let them take immediate action and avoid both a shutdown and thousands in penalties.

These are just a few examples of how ViolationWatch helps professionals get ahead of violations instead of reacting to them.

Ready to Handle NYC Building Violations Smarter With ViolationWatch?

You’ve just covered a lot of ground—every major NYC agency, the types of violations they issue, how penalties build up, and what it really takes to fix things the right way. That’s not surface-level knowledge. It’s the kind of insight that separates reactive operators from the ones who run lean, tight, and future-proof.

Whether you’re managing five walk-ups or overseeing fifty development sites, the risks don’t scale down. But neither does your time. That’s where ViolationWatch steps in—not as a passive tracker, but as an active system that keeps you in the loop, in control, and ahead of costly setbacks.

Let’s recap what you’ve now got in your toolbox:

• A breakdown of all top NYC building violations, including DOB, HPD, FDNY, DEP, and others
• How agencies categorize, penalize, and escalate violations (even when they don’t say it clearly)
• The hidden timelines and correction protocols that trip up even experienced operators
• A complete guide on where to check violations, and why public databases aren’t enough
• Actionable tactics to dispute, certify, or correct violations—without creating new ones
• A full walkthrough of ViolationWatch, and how it cuts hours of admin work into a few clean alerts
• Real-world examples from firms that are now avoiding shutdowns and keeping portfolios clean, not reactive

Whether you’re already managing compliance in-house or scrambling to keep up between projects, ViolationWatch gives you a smarter way to stay ahead of it all, without spreadsheets, missed deadlines, or preventable fines. Start your free trial today.

FAQs

What are NYC HPD violations?

HPD violations are issued by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development when residential buildings fail to comply with the Housing Maintenance Code. These include issues like:

• No heat or hot water
• Lead-based paint hazards (especially in units with children under 6)
• Mold, leaks, or pests
• Window guard or self-closing door violations
• Illegal apartment conversions or overcrowding

HPD classifies violations as Class A (non-hazardous), Class B (hazardous), or Class C (immediately hazardous). Class C violations often carry legal risk and can trigger placement in the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) if left uncorrected.

How to remove NYC building violations?

Removing a violation in NYC means more than fixing the problem physically—you must also file proper documentation with the issuing agency to close it out officially.

Here’s what it usually takes:

1. Correct the underlying issue (e.g., repair the hazard, obtain missing permits, perform cleanup)
2. Submit a Certificate of Correction to the agency (DOB, HPD, FDNY, etc.), along with:
   • Photos, affidavits, and contractor documentation
   • Permits or sign-offs, where applicable
3. Follow the agency-specific process (DOB uses AEU2 forms; HPD uses eCertification)

Failure to certify the correction means the violation stays active, and fines can continue to accrue, even if the work was done.

How do I find out if my building has violations in NYC?

You’ll need to check multiple databases, depending on the type of property and which agency issued the violation:

• DOB violations: DOB NOW or BIS systems
• HPD violations: HPD Online
• OATH/ECB summonses: OATH Summons Finder
• DEP, FDNY, DOT, DSNY, DOH, DEC: May require separate portals or direct contact

For multi-property portfolios, using a centralized platform like ViolationWatch is a faster way to stay on top of violations across all agencies in one place, especially when you’re managing dozens of buildings or job sites.

How do I resolve a DOB violation in NYC?

Resolving a DOB violation involves correcting the cited condition and filing a Certificate of Correction (AEU2 form) with supporting documentation.

Steps:

1. Address the violation (this could involve pulling a permit, performing the work, and getting a sign-off)
2. Complete the AEU2 form
3. Submit evidence:
   • Photos (before/after)
   • Contractor or engineer affidavits
   • Work permits and inspection results
4. File online via DOB NOW or in person, depending on the violation type and year issued

For Class 1 violations (Immediately Hazardous), this must be done within 24 hours to avoid daily penalties. Even after payment, the violation won’t close without proper certification.