HPD violations don’t care how experienced you are. A missed inspection. A late certification. One overlooked deadline—and you’re staring down penalties that stack faster than rent checks. The Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) doesn’t hand out warnings. It issues violations. And once those hit your property, they don’t go away on their own.
Whether you manage a single building or a hundred, compliance with HPD rules isn’t optional. It’s survival. This guide breaks down the 15 most critical HPD rules and responsibilities that can make or break your compliance status. Miss one, and you could trigger fines, lawsuits, or even tenant complaints you’re not prepared to deal with.
Every point matters. Let’s break them down.
Required HPD Inspections and When You’re On the Hook
HPD inspections aren’t optional, and they don’t wait for a convenient time to hit your building. Some are scheduled. Others show up when tenants file complaints. Either way, you’re expected to be ready. No grace period. No heads-up.
If your property lands on HPD’s radar, here’s what you’re expected to keep up with—and what happens when you don’t.
When HPD Shows Up—and Why
There are two main triggers for an HPD inspection:
- Tenant complaints filed via 311
- HPD proactive inspections of high-risk buildings
Once a complaint is logged, HPD is legally required to send an inspector within a defined timeframe. Class C (immediately hazardous) complaints can trigger inspections within 24 hours. You’re not obligated to be on-site for most inspections, but you’re still responsible for the outcome.
Annual Inspections You Must Prepare For
Some inspections are routine, and you’re expected to keep records ready:
- Lead-based paint inspections for pre-1960 buildings with children under six
- Boiler inspections (filed with the Department of Buildings but enforced by HPD)
- Indoor allergen inspections under Local Law 55 (mold, cockroaches, mice)
- Window guard inspections are done annually and are certified by HPD
Each of these inspections has fixed windows for compliance. Missing one can escalate a violation into litigation.
Timelines You Can’t Afford to Miss
HPD follows strict timeframes when it comes to violations and follow-ups. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Class A (non-hazardous): Correct within 90 days
- Class B (hazardous): Correct within 30 days
- Class C (immediately hazardous): Correct within 24 hours
Once a violation is issued, your clock starts ticking. If you miss the correction window—or fail to certify—it doesn’t go away. Fines kick in, and HPD can escalate your case.
What You Should Do Now
- Set up internal reminders based on HPD’s seasonal timelines
- Keep inspection logs and certifications stored by violation class
- Create a tenant communication system to catch early complaints before HPD gets involved
Stay alert. These inspections aren’t forgiving, and the cost of being late adds up fast.
What Triggers Class A, B, and C Violations in NYC
HPD violations fall into three classes. Each one signals a different level of risk and comes with a different deadline to fix the issue. But here’s the real problem: Most property owners don’t realize what actually triggers them until they’re already posted.
Let’s break down what each class means, how it works, and what gets flagged most often.
Class A Violations – Low Risk, High Volume
These are non-hazardous violations. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. Leave them unresolved, and they build the case for more serious enforcement.
Most common Class A violations:
- Missing HPD postings (boiler certificate, housing info, janitor name)
- Failure to file annual registration
- Minor maintenance issues (peeling paint in common areas, cracked tiles)
- Incomplete window guard forms
You have 90 days to correct them, but if you don’t certify, they don’t go away.
Class B Violations – Hazards You Must Act On
These are considered hazardous but not immediately life-threatening. They usually stem from tenant complaints or inspector walk-throughs.
Typical Class B triggers:
- Broken or defective self-closing doors
- Infestations (mice, cockroaches, mold) under Local Law 55
- Leaks that haven’t caused structural damage yet
- Defective flooring, windows, or plumbing that impairs use
These carry a 30-day correction period. Miss it, and you open the door to compounding penalties.
Class C Violations – Urgent and Costly
Class C means an immediate hazard. HPD doesn’t wait long to act—and neither should you.
Examples that trigger Class C violations:
- No heat or hot water during the required dates
- Lead paint hazards in units with children under six
- Locked or obstructed fire escapes
- Missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
- Dangerous structural issues (collapsed ceilings, unsafe staircases)
These violations must be corrected within 24 hours. In some cases, HPD will handle emergency repairs themselves and bill you, plus charge inspection fees and daily penalties.
Keep in mind: These violations often overlap. A leaky ceiling could start as Class B, escalate to Class C, and trigger enforcement actions that affect your entire building. The best way to stay out of trouble? Understand what causes each class—and fix it fast.
Why HPD Registration Deadlines Catch So Many Owners Off Guard
You’re required to register your building with HPD every year—even if nothing’s changed. Skip it, and you’re no longer in compliance. That opens the door to violations, delays in processing permits, and blocked sales or refinances.
Annual registration is due between May 21 and September 1. The clock resets every year, and late filings don’t get forgiven.
What Properties Must Register
If your building has:
- Three or more residential units, or
- One- or two-family homes not occupied by the owner
Then you’re required to file annually. No exceptions.
What the Registration Covers According to the New York City Department
You’ll need to submit current info for:
- Property owner
- Managing agent
- Emergency contacts
- On-site superintendent (if applicable)
This info goes into HPD’s public database. If tenants need to contact you or HPD needs to deliver notices, they use this information. If it’s outdated or missing, you miss critical updates.
How to Stay Compliant Without Missing a Beat
- File online through HPD’s Property Registration Online System (PROS)
- Pay the $13 registration fee per unit
- Keep a receipt or digital proof—HPD doesn’t always issue confirmation
Mark the date. Set the reminder. Annual registration is one of the easiest things to get right—and one of the most common reasons owners fall out of compliance.
Lead Paint Rules Every Pre-1960 Building Must Follow
If your property was built before 1960, HPD assumes it has lead-based paint—unless you prove otherwise. And if there’s a child under six living in any unit, the rules don’t just apply—they tighten. This isn’t about one-time fixes. It’s about ongoing annual compliance backed by inspections, documentation, and certified abatement work.
What the Law Requires
You must do the following every year—no exceptions:
- Send annual lead-based paint notices to tenants
- Conduct visual inspections of all child-occupied units
- Remediate any deteriorated paint using EPA-certified contractors
- Keep records of all notices, inspections, and work performed
If a tenant doesn’t respond, document the attempt and follow HPD’s rules for non-response.
Turnover Requirements
Before re-renting any unit where a child under six may live, you must:
- Fully inspect for lead hazards
- Remove or permanently cover any lead paint using safe work practices
- Obtain clearance dust wipes from an independent testing firm
Failing to follow turnover rules can escalate into Class C violations—plus lead to legal action from both HPD and tenants.
Documentation Is Not Optional
Keep these records for at least 10 years:
- Annual notices and tenant responses
- Visual inspection reports
- Remediation contracts and proof of EPA-certified work
- Clearance test results
This isn’t paperwork for paperwork’s sake. HPD audits these files, and missing one document can trigger violations across your entire building.
Stay sharp. Lead paint compliance isn’t static. It’s inspected, reviewed, and enforced year after year.
Why Window Guard Compliance Isn’t Optional
Window guards aren’t cosmetic—they’re legally required in family-occupied units with children under 11. Miss the mark, and HPD will treat it as a Class C violation with real consequences. What trips up most owners isn’t the installation—it’s the paperwork trail. HPD doesn’t care if the guards are there unless you can prove it.
Who Needs Window Guards Installed
You’re required to install window guards in:
- All apartments where a child under 11 lives
- Common areas where children may be present (hallways, playrooms)
- Any unit requested by a tenant, regardless of age or family status
Even first-floor apartments need them if the window opens onto a hazardous drop (air shaft, stairwell, backyard with hard surface).
Annual Notice and Tenant Response
Every year, between January 1 and January 15, you must:
- Distribute HPD’s window guard notice to every tenant
- Collect responses and update your records
- Install or confirm installation based on each response
If a tenant doesn’t respond, you’re still on the hook. Follow HPD’s non-response protocol and keep proof.
Documentation You Must Keep
Here’s what to store—and for how long:
- Completed annual window guard forms
- Work orders and invoices for installation
- Photos or visual inspection reports if challenged
- Tenant communications regarding installation or refusal
Keep these on file for at least three years. They’ll be your only defense if HPD questions your compliance or a tenant files a complaint.
Don’t assume a guard in the window is enough. In HPD’s eyes, if it’s not documented, it never happened.
Heat and Hot Water Rules That’ll Get You Cited Fast
Heat and hot water violations are some of the most common—and they’re Class C. That means they fall into the “fix it now or get fined daily” category. If your building fails to meet the seasonal temperature standards, HPD doesn’t hesitate to issue violations.
The rules are strict. They apply 24/7. And HPD doesn’t care if your boiler “almost” hit the mark.
Heating Season Rules (October 1 – May 31)
From October 1 through May 31, you’re responsible for maintaining a minimum indoor temperature based on outdoor conditions:
- Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, if the outside temperature drops below 12.2°C / 55°F / 328.15K, the inside temperature must be at least 20°C / 68°F / 293.15K
- Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, regardless of outside temperature, apartments must stay at or above 16.6°C / 62°F / 289.75K
These aren’t guidelines. They’re thresholds HPD enforces without delay.
Hot Water Requirements (Year-Round)
You must provide hot water 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. That water must reach a minimum of:
- 48.8°C / 120°F / 393.15K at every faucet and showerhead
Tenants who report cold water will often trigger inspections that lead to full-building reviews.
Avoiding Violations in Cold Months
- Check your boiler logs daily during heating season
- Schedule preventive maintenance in late summer before the cold sets in
- Keep tenant complaint lines open—a missed call can turn into a 311 case fast
HPD doesn’t check your intent. They check your temperature. Heating and hot water complaints are one of the fastest ways to land a violation you didn’t see coming.
Your Fire Doors Must Shut Themselves—No Exceptions
If a fire breaks out in your building, a door that doesn’t close on its own becomes a liability. That’s why HPD—and by extension, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development—treats self-closing door compliance as non-negotiable. One broken hinge, and you’re looking at a Class B or even Class C violation.
This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about fire safety.
Where self-closing doors are required:
- Apartment entry doors
- Doors leading to hallways or stairs
- Bulkhead doors accessing the roof
- Any door that opens onto a means of egress
These doors must automatically return to the closed position after someone uses them fully, without slamming or sticking.
You’re expected to:
- Install spring hinges or other approved self-closing devices
- Test doors regularly during inspections or maintenance walk-throughs
- Replace worn-out closers immediately
- Document any repair or replacement work (who, when, where)
How violations happen:
- Tenants disable the closer
- Maintenance staff remove devices during renovations
- Closers lose tension and stop closing fully
- Paint or rust interferes with the door movement
You’re responsible either way. HPD doesn’t factor in tenant interference or wear and tear. If the door doesn’t close by itself, it’s a violation. Even in the most extreme cases, where damage occurs due to neglect or tampering, the burden falls back on the landlord to correct the issue immediately and protect the premises.
Best practices to avoid citations:
- Add door checks to your monthly inspection checklist
- Log every door repair in your compliance records
- Train your supers to flag doors that fail during walkthroughs
- In each instance of repair, verify and document who completed the task and when
- Use certified contractors if needed, and consult with your property attorney when questions around legal liability arise
While this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never be sued, it does show that the issue was properly addressed and not ignored. If a tenant files a complaint or a violation is issued, HPD won’t accept missed inspections or a “lost in the mail” excuse. They expect accurate logs, verified maintenance, and prompt corrections.
This isn’t theoretical advice—it’s enforcement you can count on. Treat self-closing doors as essential life-safety infrastructure. That’s how you stay compliant, prepared, and off HPD’s radar.
Alarms That Must Be in Place or You Pay the Price
You’re legally required to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in every residential unit you own. HPD treats missing, expired, or non-working devices as violations, and they don’t give warnings.
Let’s break this down into what’s required, where it applies, and what’ll get flagged.
What You Must Install
You’re required to provide:
- Smoke alarms near sleeping areas
- Carbon monoxide alarms within 15 feet of all bedrooms
- Combined smoke/CO units are allowed, as long as they meet FDNY and HPD specs
All alarms must be either:
- Hardwired with battery backup, or
- Battery-powered with sealed 10-year batteries (no removable cells allowed)
Installation isn’t optional, and you can’t delay it for a later date or defer responsibility to a contractor without documented proof.
What Tenants Are Responsible For
Tenants must:
- Test the alarms
- Keep them intact
- Replace batteries if the unit allows it (non-sealed models only)
But if they remove or damage the alarms, you’re still required to replace them—and document it. You may want to request an affidavit if the tenant refuses access during repairs, especially after night inspections or missed appointments.
What Gets You Fined
- Installing non-compliant models
- Failing to replace expired alarms
- Not replacing missing units within a reasonable timeframe
- Missing the notice/disclosure requirements
Yes, you have disclosure obligations. You must:
- Notify tenants in writing that alarms were installed
- Provide maintenance instructions
- Include cost responsibility for replacement in the lease (if you choose to charge for it)
These obligations are limited in scope, but they’re enforceable. You can’t run your business on assumptions—HPD expects full compliance backed by documentation that can hold up under scrutiny.
What Smart Owners Do
- Keep a log of every alarm installation, including unit numbers and serial numbers
- Schedule unit checks during other maintenance visits
- Keep extra alarms in stock for instant replacement
It’s better to keep a clean record than scramble for an answer when HPD calls. A compliant setup works in your favor every time. This is one of the lowest-cost, highest-risk areas of compliance. Get it wrong, and you’ll get cited. Keep it tight, and it stays off your radar.
Local Law 55 Isn’t Optional—and HPD Enforces Every Line
Local Law 55—also known as the Asthma-Free Housing Act—requires you to inspect, correct, and prevent indoor allergen hazards. It applies to most residential buildings across NYC. If your property has three or more units, you’re responsible for staying compliant. No shortcuts.
This law doesn’t just target mold. It covers three major indoor hazards: mold, cockroaches, and rodents. These are now considered environmental health risks, not routine maintenance issues.
You Must Inspect Every Year—Not Just When Tenants Complain
Local Law 55 requires you to inspect all units and common areas at least once a year. This includes:
- Hallways
- Stairwells
- Basements
- Tenant units (even if there’s no complaint)
If you spot any signs of mold, pests, or entry points for pests, you must act immediately.
If Tenants Report a Problem, You’re on the Clock
Any 311 complaint related to mold or pests triggers HPD enforcement under Local Law 55. You don’t get leniency based on weather, staffing, or renovation status.
Once a complaint is filed, you’re expected to:
- Inspect the reported condition
- Fix the issue using Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Provide proper notices and maintain all documentation
What IPM Actually Means
You’re required to follow HPD’s IPM standards. That includes:
- Sealing cracks and entry points
- Fixing leaks and moisture issues
- Using low-toxicity pesticides where necessary
- Cleaning droppings, nesting materials, and contaminated surfaces safely
You can’t spray and walk away. HPD expects remediation that’s thorough, safe, and documented.
Notices and Tenant Communication
For every allergen hazard you correct, you must give written notice to the tenant within five days. That notice must confirm:
- What was found
- What was done
- When it was completed
You must also provide annual tenant notices about allergen risks and pest prevention tips, typically alongside window guard and lead paint disclosures.
Keep Records or Risk Repeat Violations
You must keep logs of:
- Every inspection
- All complaints
- Repairs, treatments, and follow-ups
- All tenant notices delivered
HPD doesn’t need a reason to audit your records. If you can’t show your work, you’re assumed noncompliant.
Mold and Pest Work Isn’t Done Until It’s Documented
We covered the inspection and notice obligations under Local Law 55. Now we’re focusing on how to actually handle mold and pest conditions the right way—because sloppy remediation gets flagged fast.
HPD doesn’t accept patch jobs. They want permanent correction. That means methodical work, licensed professionals (when required), and full documentation every step of the way.
What Triggers Remediation Requirements
You must take action if:
- A tenant files a mold or pest complaint
- Your annual inspection reveals visible growth, infestation, or entry points
- Repairs expose hidden damage (water-damaged drywall, rodent droppings, etc.)
There’s no room for guesswork. Once the hazard exists, you’re legally required to correct it—even if the tenant stops cooperating mid-process.
Mold Remediation Compliance Standards
If the affected area is 10 square feet or more, you must hire:
- A licensed mold assessor to inspect and draft a remediation plan
- A licensed mold remediator to do the work
These roles must be performed by two separate entities under NYC law. One inspects. One remediates. No overlap. No exceptions.
Post-remediation, you’ll need:
- A clearance report
- A signed certification that the issue was corrected per state and local law
- Photo evidence and a job log to match
Pest Control the Right Way
Quick sprays won’t cut it. HPD requires Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—and that’s more than pest control. It’s structural prevention.
What does that include:
- Sealing all pest entry points (gaps, cracks, baseboards)
- Repairing leaks and moisture conditions
- Cleaning up droppings, nests, and contaminated materials
- Using legal, low-toxicity pesticides
Licensed pest professionals must log the work, including what was used, where it was applied, and what conditions were found.
Keep a Paper Trail That Protects You
For every mold or pest remediation job, store:
- Inspection and assessment reports
- Licenses of all professionals involved
- Treatment logs, dates, and follow-ups
- Tenant notices (before and after work)
- Signed acknowledgments (if available)
If HPD re-inspects or if the tenant reopens the complaint, you’ll need this file to avoid repeat violations. Remediation isn’t finished until your paperwork proves it.
Miss a Required Posting, Trigger a Violation
Posting requirements might seem like administrative clutter—but in NYC, they’re mandatory. If even one required notice isn’t up where it belongs, HPD can issue a Class A violation. Repeated misses open the door to more aggressive enforcement.
You’re not just posting for tenants. You’re posting for legal compliance. Every sign, notice, and document plays a role, and HPD checks them during inspections.
Where You Need to Post
All required postings must go in a visible common area, typically near the main building entrance or in the lobby. If your building has multiple entrances, post at each one.
Make sure the area is:
- Accessible to tenants at all times
- Well-lit and free from obstructions
- Protected from weather or tampering
Missing or damaged postings are treated the same as not posting at all.
What You Must Post (At Minimum)
Here’s what must be clearly displayed:
- Building Registration Certificate (after annual registration with HPD)
- Housing Information Guide Notice (available in multiple languages from HPD)
- Fire Safety Plan and Emergency Preparedness Guide
- Smoke/CO Alarm Notice (explaining tenant and owner responsibilities)
- Garbage Collection Schedule
- Name and contact of the building superintendent or management company
- Notice on Tenant Harassment Protections
- Notice of Procedures for Mold and Allergen Complaints
- Window Guard Notice (if applicable)
- Boiler Room Signage (with operator info and inspection dates)
Each notice has a required format, font size, and language availability. HPD provides templates for most of them. Use them.
Best Practices for Staying in the Clear
- Keep a laminated set of all required postings in each building
- Schedule quarterly audits to confirm they haven’t been removed or defaced
- Keep backup copies in your office or compliance binder
Posting errors are preventable. They’re also one of the easiest ways to rack up fines if you stop paying attention. Stay current, stay consistent, and make sure every tenant sees exactly what the law requires.
What Happens When HPD Fixes It for You—and Bills You Later
If you fail to correct hazardous conditions fast enough, HPD won’t wait. They’ll send in emergency repair crews under the Emergency Repair Program (ERP)—then charge you for the work, plus inspection fees, plus administrative costs.
This isn’t a courtesy. It’s enforcement through your wallet.
What Triggers ERP Intervention
The Emergency Repair Program activates when:
- You fail to correct a Class C violation within the required timeframe
- The condition poses a serious risk to life, health, or safety
- HPD determines that the delay is unacceptable, and the city must intervene
Common ERP jobs include:
- Restoring heat or hot water
- Removing lead hazards
- Fixing major leaks or ceiling collapses
- Securing unsafe structures
If the city sends contractors, you lose control of the work and the invoice.
What You’ll Be Charged
HPD will bill you for:
- The full cost of labor and materials
- A 15% administrative surcharge
- Any applicable inspection or reinspection fees
You’ll receive a lien against the property if you don’t pay. That lien collects interest daily and can impact refinancing, property transfers, or future permits.
How to Avoid It?
- Track all open Class C violations daily
- Document your correction timeline
- Communicate directly with HPD if delays are unavoidable
ERP isn’t a fallback. It’s a financial penalty wrapped in a repair job. If HPD steps in, you’ll pay more—and it’ll hurt your compliance standing.
Compliance Lives and Dies in Your Files
Good records don’t just protect you—they prove you’re playing by the rules. HPD audits document trails during inspections, hearings, and tenant disputes. If your paperwork doesn’t line up, you’re on the hook—even if the violation was corrected.
Documentation is your legal shield. Without it, you’ve got nothing to stand on.
What You’re Expected to Keep
Across HPD regulations, these are the documents you need in a format that’s organized, date-stamped, and ready to show:
- Annual registration filings and proof of payment
- Tenant notices for lead paint, window guards, allergen hazards, and fire safety
- Inspection logs for common areas and tenant units
- Correction certifications with backup (photos, work orders, contractor receipts)
- Mold assessment and remediation reports, if applicable
- Pest control logs and documentation of IPM
- Proof of compliance with any ERP charges or resolution terms
Each record has its own retention period—some for three years, others for ten or more.
What Happens If You Can’t Produce a File
Failure to produce required documents can lead to:
- Repeat or unresolved violation designations
- Escalated enforcement, including Housing Court referrals
- Reinspection fees or ERP interventions
- Delays in permits, refinancing, or property sales
HPD assumes non-compliance if you can’t prove otherwise. Even if the work was done, the missing documentation speaks louder.
Make Recordkeeping Part of Your Process
- Create digital folders for each property, organized by violation type
- Store scanned versions of all tenant forms, repairs, inspections, and notices
- Use date-based naming conventions (e.g., “MoldRemediation_Unit3B_2024-08-02.pdf”)
- Conduct quarterly audits to make sure nothing’s missing
If you’re managing multiple buildings, use a system that centralizes and tracks documentation automatically. A tool like ViolationWatch can help reduce manual errors by organizing violations, uploading supporting records, and tracking expiration dates—all from a single platform.
Closing a Violation Means Certifying It—By the Book
Fixing the problem isn’t enough. If you don’t certify the correction with HPD, the violation stays open. That means fines keep stacking, and enforcement stays active.
Certification is what officially clears your record. And it’s time-sensitive.
Know the Clock You’re Working Against
Each violation class comes with its own certification deadline. If you miss it—even by a day—you lose the chance to self-certify. That can trigger extra inspections or legal action.
- Class A: Must be certified within 90 days
- Class B: Must be certified within 30 days
- Class C: Must be certified within 24 hours
These aren’t grace periods. They’re fixed windows.
What You Need to Submit
Certification must include:
- A completed Violation Certification Form (via eCertification or paper)
- Details of the correction work: date, location, scope
- Contractor info (if applicable)
- Supporting documentation (photos, receipts, work logs)
In some cases, HPD may require reinspection or supplemental proof. Keep everything logged and ready.
Common Mistakes That Keep Violations Open
- Forgetting to submit after fixing
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect forms
- Certifying before the work is fully finished
- Using the wrong correction date
- Failing to include tenant access records (if repairs were delayed)
Every error increases the odds of rejection, and a rejected certification is as bad as none at all.
How to Stay in the Clear
- Certify corrections as soon as work is done
- Double-check that the forms match the violation class and type
- Maintain a log of all submission confirmations
- Assign responsibility to a single staff member or property manager to avoid gaps
Certification isn’t just a formality. It’s your official proof that the job got done on time, correctly, and in compliance with the law. Don’t fix it and forget it. Certify it and close it out.
When HPD Takes You to Court Instead of Sending Another Notice
Housing Court isn’t where you want to end up. But once HPD refers your case for litigation, you’re no longer dealing with routine violations—you’re defending yourself against legal enforcement that can cost time, money, and control.
Litigation referrals are triggered when HPD believes you’re ignoring orders, delaying action, or putting tenants at risk. These aren’t idle threats—they’re escalations with consequences.
The Top Triggers That Land You in Housing Court
- Repeated failure to correct Class C violations: If HPD finds a hazardous condition, like no heat, lead paint, or a fire safety risk, and you don’t fix it within the mandated timeframe, they’ll escalate. Multiple missed deadlines for serious conditions will push your case directly to court.
- Failure to certify correction: Fixing the problem without submitting certification forms still counts as noncompliance. If too many violations remain uncertified, especially across multiple buildings, it signals chronic neglect. That’s enough to trigger legal action.
- Tenant harassment connected to repair refusal: If HPD receives complaints that you’ve withheld services or refused repairs to force tenants out or retaliate against them, they’ll open a harassment case. These cases often fast-track to Housing Court under separate statutes.
- Emergency repair work billed and unpaid: When HPD steps in to perform work under the Emergency Repair Program (ERP) and you fail to pay the resulting charges, they may initiate legal proceedings to recover the cost and force future compliance.
- Large volumes of uncorrected violations: There’s no official number, but if your building carries dozens of open violations across multiple categories—or your property is flagged in HPD’s database as persistently noncompliant—you’re a strong candidate for court referral.
- Tenant-initiated litigation that prompts HPD involvement: Even if HPD hasn’t filed against you, tenants can take legal action. If they present strong evidence, HPD may join the case or file its own litigation to show enforcement strength.
- Non-response to Orders to Correct: HPD issues formal Orders to Correct for serious violations. If those orders are ignored or challenged without valid documentation, a litigation file is opened and passed to the City’s legal team.
What Happens Next?
- You’ll receive a court notice with a hearing date
- You must appear, or the court may issue a default judgment
- Penalties may include civil fines, enforced repairs, liens, or contempt charges
- Ongoing HPD scrutiny usually follows litigation cases, even after closure
Housing Court isn’t about negotiation. It’s a legal venue that holds owners accountable after all other options are exhausted. Once you’re there, it’s no longer about what’s fair—it’s about what you can prove. Keep your property off the referral list by staying responsive, compliant, and documented.
Staying on Top of HPD Compliance Is Easier with the Right Tools
HPD compliance doesn’t need to feel like walking a tightrope over violations, fines, and legal threats. Once you understand the rules, timelines, and risks, you start seeing the patterns—and you gain control. The key is consistency. Routine inspections. Clean documentation. Fast response when issues pop up.
This guide covered the 15 most critical areas where HPD expects you to stay compliant. Skip one, and it can snowball. Cover all of them, and you stay off enforcement radars and in full operational control.If you’re tracking all of this manually, mistakes are bound to happen. A digital system like ViolationWatch helps you manage HPD violations across your entire portfolio from one place—automating alerts, storing documents, and closing compliance gaps before they cost you. Stay ready, stay organized, and let smart tools carry the weight.