Expert guides, compliance walkthroughs, and practical answers for NYC property owners, property managers, contractors, expediters, and tenants. Covering DOB violations, HPD rules, local laws, permitting, zoning, and construction operations.
Showing all 69 guides.
NYC Compliance · 12 min read
Complete guide to NYC DOB violation classes A, B, C, and D: what triggers each class, cure deadlines, civil penalties, and how to get them dismissed.
NYC Compliance · 10 min read
Learn how NYC ECB (OATH) hearings work, how to respond to violations, fight a penalty, negotiate a settlement, and avoid default judgments.
NYC Compliance · 11 min read
NYC HPD violation classes A, B, and C explained: cure deadlines, emergency repair liens, and the process for certifying corrections to the Housing Preservation & Development.
NYC Compliance · 9 min read
NYC Local Law 152 requires periodic gas piping inspections for most buildings. Learn the inspection cycle by community board district, who can perform inspections, and what to do if defects are found.
NYC Compliance · 11 min read
NYC Local Law 11 (FISP) requires facade inspections for buildings over 6 stories. Understand inspection cycles, SWARMP vs Unsafe classifications, repair requirements, and DOB filing deadlines.
NYC Compliance · 13 min read
NYC Local Law 84 requires annual energy benchmarking and Local Law 97 imposes carbon emission caps with fines starting 2024. Learn who is covered, how to comply, and how to reduce your building's emissions.
NYC Compliance · 10 min read
NYC FDNY violations explained: fire safety plans, sprinkler retrofire requirements for high-rise buildings, response timelines, and the inspection and reinspection process.
NYC Compliance · 8 min read
Understand NYC DEP water and sewer billing, backflow prevention requirements, meter reading disputes, and how to appeal charges to the NYC Water Board.
NYC Compliance · 8 min read
NYC boiler inspection requirements: high-pressure boilers require annual inspections, low-pressure boilers require periodic inspection. Learn filing deadlines, who inspects, and how to certify compliance.
NYC Compliance · 9 min read
NYC elevator inspection requirements: periodic inspections, category tests, Notice to the Commissioner (NTC) for defects, and what to do when an elevator fails inspection or is placed out of service.
NYC Compliance · 7 min read
NYC DSNY violation guide: refuse containerization rules, recycling requirements, bulk waste disposal, sidewalk cleanliness obligations, and how to contest fines at OATH.
NYC Compliance · 9 min read
NYC Certificate of Occupancy guide: the difference between TCO and final CO, when a change of use requires a new CO, how to apply through DOB NOW, and common obstacles.
NYC Compliance · 8 min read
How to use NYC ACRIS to search property records: reading deeds, finding recorded mortgages and UCC liens, checking easements, and understanding NYC property document recording.
NYC Compliance · 11 min read
Guide to NYC property tax: understanding Classes 1 through 4, how assessed value is determined, SCRIE and DRIE exemptions, and the appeal process through the NYC Tax Commission.
NYC Compliance · 14 min read
Comprehensive guide to NYC rent stabilization: DHCR registration requirements, preferential rent rules under HSTPA, Major Capital Improvement (MCI) increases, and tenant overcharge complaint process.
Property Owners · 14 min read
Step-by-step guide to buying NYC investment property: due diligence checklist, title search process, rent roll analysis, DOB and HPD records review, and closing costs.
Property Owners · 10 min read
Strategies to reduce NYC property taxes: filing a Tax Commission appeal, qualifying for exemptions, J-51 and 421-a abatements, and annual appeal deadlines by property class.
Property Owners · 9 min read
NYC co-op and condo board compliance guide: alteration agreements, subletting policies, DOB filing requirements for unit renovations, and condo offering plan amendment obligations.
Property Owners · 10 min read
NYC Major Capital Improvement (MCI) guide: which building improvements qualify, how to apply to DHCR, documentation requirements, tenant objection rights, and post-HSTPA MCI rules.
Property Owners · 9 min read
NYC landlord insurance guide: required coverages for rental properties, commercial umbrella policies, what to require from contractors in COI documents, and D&O coverage for co-op and condo boards.
Property Owners · 8 min read
NYC Local Law 18 of 2022 heavily restricts short-term rentals via Airbnb and similar platforms. Learn the registration requirement, host-present rules, fines for violations, and platform accountability.
Property Managers · 7 min read
NYC HPD requires annual property registration for multiple dwellings. Learn who must register, the annual deadline, information required, and penalties for failure to register.
Property Managers · 8 min read
NYC Local Law 81 requires landlords to provide adequate heat and hot water. Learn the temperature thresholds, heating season dates, how HPD enforces violations, and tenant remedies.
Property Managers · 11 min read
NYC Local Law 1 requires lead paint inspections and remediation in apartments where children under six reside. Learn inspection triggers, XRF testing, remediation standards, and record-keeping.
Property Managers · 8 min read
NYC Local Law 55 of 2018 requires licensed mold assessors and remediators for mold projects over 10 square feet. Learn who is covered, the assessment and remediation process, and post-remediation testing.
Property Managers · 6 min read
NYC Local Law 69 requires annual bedbug infestation history disclosure and tenant notification. Learn the reporting deadline, what must be disclosed, and how to handle tenant bedbug complaints.
Property Managers · 10 min read
How to manage a NYC rent roll: distinguishing stabilized from free-market leases, calculating allowed renewal increases, sending proper renewal notices, and staying current on DHCR filings.
Property Managers · 10 min read
NYC tenant screening requirements: federal and state Fair Housing Act rules, source of income protections, permissible background checks, NYC application fee limits under LL63, and adverse action notices.
Property Managers · 8 min read
NYC property manager insurance compliance guide: required vendor COI documentation, minimum coverage limits, additional insured requirements, and how to track certificates across your portfolio.
Property Managers · 7 min read
NYC security deposit rules under the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019: one month limit, interest requirements, 14-day return deadline, and itemized deduction requirements.
Property Managers · 9 min read
NYC Good Cause Eviction law explained: which tenants are protected, the rent increase cap formula, what constitutes "good cause" for non-renewal, and exemptions for small landlords.
Contractors · 10 min read
NYC contractor licensing guide: General Contractor license from DOB, Home Improvement Contractor license from DCA, licensed plumber, licensed electrician, and specialty trade requirements.
Contractors · 12 min read
Complete guide to the NYC DOB permit process: types of permits (NB, Alt-1, Alt-2, Alt-3), plan examination vs. professional certification, DOB NOW filing, and the inspection and sign-off process.
Contractors · 8 min read
NYC DOB Stop Work Orders explained: what triggers them, the difference between full and partial SWOs, how to get them lifted, and what to do in the first 24 hours after receiving one.
Contractors · 9 min read
NYC mechanic's lien guide: filing deadlines by project type, the Notice of Lending requirement, lien foreclosure process, and how to discharge a lien by bonding or payment.
Contractors · 9 min read
NYC and New York State prevailing wage requirements: which construction projects are covered, how to determine the applicable rates, certified payroll requirements, and penalty exposure for violations.
Contractors · 10 min read
NYC construction insurance guide: required coverages for contractors and developers, builder's risk, wrap-up insurance, additional insured requirements, and a COI checklist for NYC projects.
Contractors · 7 min read
NYC scaffolding and sidewalk shed permit requirements: DOT Street Activity Permits, DOB scaffold permits, fee schedules, duration limits, and rules for extending permits.
Contractors · 8 min read
NYC special inspection requirements: which construction activities require a Special Inspection Agency (SIA), the Statement of Responsibility process, progress inspection requirements, and final sign-off.
Contractors · 9 min read
NYC subcontractor agreement guide: essential contract provisions, flow-down clauses from prime to sub, payment terms and timing, dispute resolution mechanisms, and lien rights.
Contractors · 9 min read
NYC construction site safety requirements: when a Site Safety Plan and Site Safety Manager (SSM) are required, DOB safety rules, fall protection standards, and how OSHA and DOB enforcement overlap.
Contractors · 8 min read
NYC construction change order guide: what constitutes a change in scope, how to properly document and price change orders, owner approval requirements, and how to protect payment rights.
Contractors · 9 min read
How to bid on NYC government construction contracts: registering in PASSPort (formerly HHS Accelerator), M/WBE certification benefits, VENDEX questionnaire, and the public procurement process.
Expediters & Architects · 11 min read
Complete guide to DOB NOW: Build for NYC expediters: creating job applications, submitting plans, filing TR1 forms, tracking plan examination status, and managing objections.
Expediters & Architects · 14 min read
NYC Zoning Resolution guide: use group classifications, Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations, bulk regulations (height, setbacks, courts), and how to obtain a variance from the Board of Standards and Appeals.
Expediters & Architects · 9 min read
Guide to NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals: when CNE or Permit to Alter is required, the LPC filing process, approval timelines, and working in historic districts.
Expediters & Architects · 8 min read
NYC Special Inspection Agency (SIA) role explained: how SIAs differ from Progress Inspection Engineers, the Statement of Responsibility filing, progress inspection requirements, and the final sign-off process.
Expediters & Architects · 9 min read
NYC DOB plan examination objection guide: how to read objection codes, common objection categories, writing effective responses, plan resubmission process, and when to request a waiver or zoning determination.
Expediters & Architects · 8 min read
How NYC plan examination works: the difference between professional certification and standard review, current DOB turnaround times, audit risk, and tips to speed approval.
Expediters & Architects · 10 min read
NYC City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) explained: which projects require environmental review, Environmental Assessment Statement vs. Environmental Impact Statement, common impact triggers, and how CEQR affects project timelines.
Expediters & Architects · 9 min read
NYC Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) guide: how to apply for a special permit or variance, the hearing process, required evidence for hardship variances, and typical timelines.
Expediters & Architects · 8 min read
Guide to filing for Certificate of Occupancy in NYC: how to obtain a temporary CO (TCO), the final CO process, TCO extension requirements, and Letter of Completion (LOC) vs. LOL for interior work.
Expediters & Architects · 9 min read
NYC Energy Conservation Code compliance guide: COMcheck reports for non-residential buildings, residential compliance pathways, envelope requirements, mechanical efficiency, and lighting power density.
Developers · 11 min read
Comprehensive guide to NYC's Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP): what actions require ULURP, the sequential review stages, timelines, community board and Borough President roles, and CPC approval.
Developers · 11 min read
NYC 421-a tax abatement guide: who qualifies, affordability requirements by coverage area, the 485-w replacement program, construction wage requirements, and how to apply.
Developers · 8 min read
NYC J-51 tax abatement guide: which renovations qualify, how the tax benefit is calculated, the application and certification process, and the rent stabilization implications of accepting J-51.
Developers · 10 min read
Overview of NYC affordable housing programs: Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH), Voluntary Inclusionary Housing (VIH), HPD financing programs, 80/20 tax-exempt bond financing, and AMI targeting.
Developers · 11 min read
NYC construction financing guide: how construction loans work, the role of mezzanine debt and preferred equity, lender requirements, loan-to-cost ratios, and permanent financing takeout.
Developers · 9 min read
Guide to NYC condominium offering plans: New York State AG filing requirements, the red herring period, how to amend a plan, required disclosures, and common pitfalls that delay AG acceptance.
Developers · 8 min read
NYC air rights and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) explained: how landmark TDR works, FAR calculations for the receiving site, the process for purchasing and recording air rights, and zoning restrictions.
Developers · 8 min read
NYC construction wrap-up insurance programs explained: Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIP) and Contractor-Controlled Insurance Programs (CCIP), enrollment process, coverage inclusions/exclusions, and when they make sense.
Tenants · 10 min read
NYC tenant rights for housing repairs: how to file a 311 complaint, the HPD inspection process, Housing Part (HP) proceedings in Housing Court, and the warranty of habitability.
Tenants · 8 min read
NYC lease renewal rights for tenants: rent-stabilized renewal rights, Good Cause Eviction protections for free-market tenants, required notice periods, and what to do if your landlord refuses to renew.
Tenants · 10 min read
How NYC evictions work: nonpayment vs. holdover proceedings, required notice periods, the court process in Housing Court, defenses tenants can raise, and recent tenant protections.
Tenants · 8 min read
NYC rent increase limits: annual RGB guidelines for stabilized apartments, the preferential rent rules under HSTPA, Good Cause Eviction rent increase caps for free-market tenants, and how to challenge an improper increase.
Tenants · 7 min read
NYC subletting rights: rent-stabilized tenant sublet rights under Real Property Law §226-b, co-op board approval process, and free-market sublet restrictions in standard NYC leases.
Vehicles & Fleet · 8 min read
NYC DOT permit guide for construction: street opening permits, sidewalk closing permits, crane permits, oversize load permits, and right-of-way requirements for urban construction.
Vehicles & Fleet · 7 min read
NYC commercial vehicle parking rules: alternate side parking regulations, street cleaning exemptions for commercial vehicles, commercial vehicle placard requirements, and idling regulations.
Vehicles & Fleet · 7 min read
NYC commercial parking violation guide: common violations and fines for commercial vehicles, the OATH hearing process to contest tickets, NYC scofflaw booting rules, and towing procedures.