Plain-English guides for violations, notices, permits, hearings, and city bills — organized by the agency you need to deal with.
Showing all 106 guides.
Agencies: DOB, OATH/ECB · Topics: Violations, Safety/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.
Agencies: OATH/ECB, DOB · Topics: Violations · 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.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Violations, Safety/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.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Fire/Gas · 9 min read
NYC Local Law 152 gas piping inspections: the community-district cycle and 2026 deadline, who can inspect, GPS2 filing, and what to do if defects are found.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 11 min read
NYC Local Law 11 (FISP) facade inspections for buildings over 6 stories: the Cycle 10 windows, SWARMP vs Unsafe, repair rules, and DOB filing deadlines.
Agencies: DOB, DEP · Topics: Energy/Env, Violations · 13 min read
NYC Local Law 84 energy benchmarking and Local Law 97 carbon caps: who is covered, the 2024 compliance results, $268/ton fines, and how to cut emissions.
Agencies: FDNY · Topics: Fire/Gas, Violations, Safety/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.
Agencies: DEP · Topics: Energy/Env, Violations · 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.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 8 min read
NYC boiler inspection requirements: annual high-pressure vs periodic low-pressure filings, who inspects, deadlines, and the No. 4 oil phase-out by 2027.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 9 min read
NYC elevator inspection requirements: periodic inspections, category tests, Notice to the Commissioner (NTC), and what to do when an elevator fails.
Agencies: DSNY · Topics: Violations · 8 min read
NYC DSNY violation guide: the official NYC Bin mandate, set-out times, mandatory curbside composting, recycling rules, and how to contest sanitation fines at OATH.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Permits, Safety/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.
Agencies: DOF · Topics: Taxes/Records · 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.
Agencies: DOF · Topics: Taxes/Records · 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.
Agencies: HCR, HPD · Topics: Tenant/Rent · 14 min read
NYC rent stabilization guide: DHCR registration, preferential rent under HSTPA, MCI increases, RGB Order #58 rent freeze, and the overcharge complaint process.
Agencies: DOF, DOB · Topics: Taxes/Records, Prop Mgmt · 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.
Agencies: DOF · Topics: Taxes/Records · 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.
Agencies: DOB, HPD · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Prop Mgmt · 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.
Agencies: HCR, HPD · Topics: Tenant/Rent, Prop Mgmt · 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.
Agencies: DOF, Cross-agency · Topics: Prop Mgmt, Construction · 9 min read
NYC landlord insurance guide: required coverages, umbrella policies, contractor COI requirements, flood disclosure, and § 7-210 sidewalk liability.
Agencies: OSE · Topics: Violations, Prop Mgmt · 8 min read
NYC Local Law 18 restricts short-term rentals via Airbnb: the OSE registration requirement, host-present rules, fines for violations, and platform accountability.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Permits, Prop Mgmt · 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.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Tenant/Rent · 8 min read
NYC heat and hot water law: temperature thresholds, the Oct 1-May 31 heat season, the HPD Heat Sensor Program, how HPD enforces violations, and tenant remedies.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Prop Mgmt · 11 min read
NYC Local Law 1 lead paint compliance where children under six reside: inspection triggers, the LL31 XRF deadline, remediation standards, and record-keeping.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Prop Mgmt · 8 min read
NYC Local Law 55 requires licensed mold assessors and remediators for projects over 10 sq ft: who is covered, the remediation process, and post-remediation testing.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Prop Mgmt · 6 min read
NYC Local Law 69 bedbug reporting: the annual infestation-history disclosure, tenant notification, the reporting deadline, and how to handle bedbug complaints.
Agencies: HCR · Topics: Prop Mgmt, Tenant/Rent · 10 min read
How to manage a NYC rent roll: distinguishing stabilized from free-market leases, calculating renewal increases, sending renewal notices, and DHCR filings.
Agencies: HPD, NYS · Topics: Prop Mgmt, Tenant/Rent · 10 min read
NYC tenant screening rules: Fair Housing Act protections, source-of-income rules, permissible background checks, LL63 application fee limits, and adverse action.
Agencies: Cross-agency · Topics: Prop Mgmt, Construction · 8 min read
NYC property manager insurance compliance: required vendor COI documentation, minimum coverage limits, additional insured rules, and tracking certificates.
Agencies: NYS · Topics: Prop Mgmt, Tenant/Rent · 7 min read
NYC security deposit rules under the 2019 HSTPA: the one-month limit, interest requirements, the 14-day return deadline, and itemized deduction requirements.
Agencies: NYS · Topics: Tenant/Rent, Violations · 9 min read
NYC Good Cause Eviction law: which tenants are protected, the 8.38% rent-increase cap, what counts as "good cause" for non-renewal, and small-landlord exemptions.
Agencies: DCWP, DOB · Topics: Permits, Construction · 10 min read
NYC contractor licensing guide: the DOB General Contractor license, DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license, plumbers, electricians, and specialty trades.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Permits, Construction · 12 min read
NYC DOB permit process: permit types (NB, Alt-1, Alt-2, Alt-3), plan examination vs professional certification, DOB NOW filing, and the sign-off process.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Violations, Construction · 8 min read
NYC DOB Stop Work Orders explained: what triggers them, full vs partial SWOs, how to get one lifted, and what to do in the first 24 hours after receiving one.
Agencies: NYS · Topics: Construction · 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.
Agencies: NYS · Topics: Construction · 9 min read
NYC and New York State prevailing wage rules: which projects are covered, how to find the applicable rates, certified payroll, and penalty exposure for violations.
Agencies: DOB, Cross-agency · Topics: Construction · 10 min read
NYC construction insurance: required coverages for contractors and developers, builder's risk, wrap-up policies, additional insured rules, and a COI checklist.
Agencies: DOB, DOT · Topics: Permits, Construction, Streets · 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.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Construction · 8 min read
NYC special inspection requirements: which activities need a Special Inspection Agency (SIA), the Statement of Responsibility, progress inspections, and sign-off.
Agencies: NYS, Cross-agency · Topics: Construction · 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.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Construction · 9 min read
NYC construction site safety: when a Site Safety Plan and Site Safety Manager are required, DOB safety rules, fall protection, and OSHA/DOB enforcement overlap.
Agencies: NYS, Cross-agency · Topics: Construction · 8 min read
NYC construction change order guide: what counts as a change in scope, how to document and price change orders, owner approval, and protecting payment rights.
Agencies: DOF, Cross-agency · Topics: Construction · 9 min read
How to bid on NYC government construction contracts: registering in PASSPort, M/WBE certification benefits, the VENDEX questionnaire, and public procurement.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Permits, Tech/Software · 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.
Agencies: DCP · Topics: Zoning/Dev · 14 min read
NYC Zoning Resolution guide: use groups, Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations, bulk rules for height and setbacks, and how to get a variance from the BSA.
Agencies: LPC · Topics: Permits, Zoning/Dev · 9 min read
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals: when a CNE or Permit to Alter is required, the LPC filing process, timelines, and historic districts.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Construction · 8 min read
NYC Special Inspection Agency (SIA) role: how SIAs differ from Progress Inspection Engineers, the Statement of Responsibility, progress inspections, and sign-off.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Permits, Construction · 9 min read
NYC DOB objection response guide: how to read objection codes, common categories, writing effective responses, resubmission, and when to request a waiver.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Permits, Construction · 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.
Agencies: DCP · Topics: Zoning/Dev, Energy/Env · 10 min read
NYC City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR): which projects need review, EAS vs EIS, common impact triggers, and how CEQR affects project timelines.
Agencies: BSA · Topics: Zoning/Dev, Permits · 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.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Permits, Safety/Compliance · 8 min read
NYC Certificate of Occupancy filing guide: how to get a temporary CO (TCO), the final CO process, TCO extensions, and Letter of Completion vs LOL for interior work.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Energy/Env, Safety/Compliance · 9 min read
NYC Energy Conservation Code compliance: COMcheck reports, residential pathways, envelope requirements, mechanical efficiency, and lighting power density.
Agencies: DCP · Topics: Zoning/Dev · 11 min read
NYC Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) guide: what needs ULURP, the review stages, timelines, community board and Borough President roles, and CPC approval.
Agencies: HPD, DOF · Topics: Taxes/Records, Zoning/Dev · 11 min read
NYC 421-a legacy and the 485-x replacement: up to 40-year benefits, affordability rules, construction wage standards, and the 2031 completion deadline for 421-a.
Agencies: HPD, DOF · Topics: Taxes/Records, Prop Mgmt · 8 min read
NYC J-51 tax abatement guide: the legacy program, the new J-51 R rehabilitation program rules, qualifying renovations, and rent stabilization implications for owners.
Agencies: HPD, DCP · Topics: Zoning/Dev, Tenant/Rent · 10 min read
NYC affordable housing programs overview: Mandatory and Voluntary Inclusionary Housing, HPD financing, 80/20 tax-exempt bond financing, and AMI targeting.
Agencies: DOF, Cross-agency · Topics: Construction, Zoning/Dev · 11 min read
NYC construction financing: how construction loans work, mezzanine debt and preferred equity, lender requirements, loan-to-cost ratios, and permanent takeout.
Agencies: NYS · Topics: Zoning/Dev, Prop Mgmt · 9 min read
NYC condominium offering plans: NY State AG filing requirements, the red herring period, amending a plan, required disclosures, and pitfalls that delay acceptance.
Agencies: LPC, DCP · Topics: Zoning/Dev · 8 min read
NYC air rights and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR): how landmark TDR works, FAR for the receiving site, buying and recording air rights, and zoning limits.
Agencies: DOB, Cross-agency · Topics: Construction · 8 min read
NYC construction wrap-up insurance: Owner-Controlled (OCIP) vs Contractor-Controlled (CCIP) programs, enrollment, coverage inclusions/exclusions, and when they fit.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Tenant/Rent, Violations · 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.
Agencies: HCR · Topics: Tenant/Rent · 8 min read
NYC lease renewal rights: rent-stabilized renewals, Good Cause Eviction protection for free-market tenants, notice periods, and if your landlord refuses to renew.
Agencies: NYS · Topics: Tenant/Rent, Violations · 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.
Agencies: HCR · Topics: Tenant/Rent · 8 min read
NYC rent increase limits: RGB Order #58 for stabilized apartments, preferential rent under HSTPA, the 8.38% Good Cause cap, and challenging an improper increase.
Agencies: HCR, NYS · Topics: Tenant/Rent, Prop Mgmt · 7 min read
NYC subletting rights: rent-stabilized sublet rights under Real Property Law §226-b, the co-op board approval process, and free-market sublet limits in leases.
Agencies: DOT · Topics: Permits, Streets, Construction · 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.
Agencies: DOT, DSNY · Topics: Streets · 7 min read
NYC commercial vehicle rules: alternate side parking, street cleaning exemptions, placard requirements, congestion pricing, and idling regulations.
Agencies: OATH/ECB, DOF · Topics: Violations, Streets · 7 min read
NYC commercial parking violations: common tickets and fines, the OATH hearing process to contest them, congestion pricing, scofflaw booting, and towing.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 5 min read
NYC now requires an annual parapet observation for all buildings fronting the street under Local Law 126 of 2021. Learn who inspects, deadlines, and repairs.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 5 min read
NYC parking structures need periodic QPSI condition assessments under Local Law 126. Bronx, Queens & Staten Island are in the 2026-2027 inspection window.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 3 min read
NYC retaining walls 10 feet or taller fronting the street need a condition assessment every 5 years under Local Law 37. Learn ratings, filing, and penalties.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 3 min read
NYC rooftop drinking water tanks need an annual inspection with results filed to DOHMH by January 15. Learn who inspects, what is tested, and recordkeeping.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Fire/Gas · 5 min read
NYC chimneys and flues serving gas appliances must be maintained to prevent carbon monoxide hazards. Learn inspection standards, CO rules, and repair permits.
Agencies: Parks, DOT · Topics: Streets, Permits · 5 min read
NYC street trees are protected by Parks and need a permit for nearby work; curb cuts need DOB filings. Learn permits, the tree-damage exception, and penalties.
Agencies: FDNY, DOB · Topics: Fire/Gas, Safety/Compliance · 5 min read
NYC natural gas alarm rules under Local Law 157 and 102: who must install detectors, placement standards, and the extended January 1, 2027 deadline.
Agencies: FDNY · Topics: Fire/Gas, Violations · 5 min read
NYC lithium-ion battery safety rules: Local Law 39 certification bans, FDNY e-bike charging guidance, and how buildings can reduce battery fire risk.
Agencies: FDNY, DOB · Topics: Fire/Gas, Safety/Compliance · 5 min read
NYC sprinkler and standpipe compliance guide: FDNY Certificates of Fitness, NFPA 25 inspection and test cycles, and rules for out-of-service systems.
Agencies: DEP · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Permits · 4 min read
NYC backflow preventer testing guide: which buildings need DEP backflow devices, the annual certified test, and the 30-day filing requirement.
Agencies: DEP, DOB · Topics: Energy/Env, Safety/Compliance · 4 min read
NYC heating oil rules: the July 1, 2027 No. 4 oil phase-out, tank registration and decommissioning, boiler conversions, and biofuel blending mandates.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Energy/Env, Safety/Compliance · 4 min read
NYC Local Law 88 guide: lighting upgrade and electrical submetering rules for buildings over 25,000 sq ft and the January 1, 2025 compliance report.
Agencies: DOF · Topics: Taxes/Records, Violations · 6 min read
How the NYC property tax lien sale works after the June 2025 sale: delinquency thresholds, payment plans, Easy Exit removal, and how to save your home.
Agencies: DOF, NYS · Topics: Taxes/Records · 5 min read
Protect your NYC home from deed theft: sign up for free ACRIS recorded-document alerts, understand 2023-2024 state laws, and act fast if victimized.
Agencies: DOF · Topics: Taxes/Records · 5 min read
NYC property tax exemptions explained: STAR, SCHE, DHE, veterans, clergy, and the co-op/condo abatement, plus the March 15 deadline and renewal rules.
Agencies: Cross-agency · Topics: Prop Mgmt, Energy/Env · 5 min read
Understand NYC flood zones and insurance: FEMA maps, 2023 flood disclosure laws for sellers and landlords, NFIP coverage, and free FloodHelpNY home audits.
Agencies: DOB, HPD · Topics: Permits, Safety/Compliance · 5 min read
How to legalize a NYC basement or cellar apartment: Local Law 126 of 2024, the BASE pilot districts, City of Yes ADUs, deadlines, and safety requirements.
Agencies: DOB, HPD · Topics: Violations, Safety/Compliance · 5 min read
NYC illegal conversions explained: vacate orders, aggravated conversion penalties, tenant rights, and how to legalize extra units with new filings and a CO.
Agencies: DCWP · Topics: Tenant/Rent · 6 min read
NYC FARE Act (Local Law 119 of 2024) in force since June 11, 2025: who pays the rental broker fee, required fee disclosures, and how to file a complaint.
Agencies: HPD, NYS · Topics: Tenant/Rent, Violations · 6 min read
NYC tenant harassment law explained: what counts as harassment, HPD Housing Court actions, $2,000-$10,000 penalties per unit, and Certification of No Harassment.
Agencies: NYS · Topics: Tenant/Rent · 6 min read
NYC tenant buyout agreements explained: required landlord disclosures, buyout harassment rules, tax and rent tradeoffs, and how to negotiate a fair offer.
Agencies: HPD · Topics: Violations, Safety/Compliance · 6 min read
NYC HPD Emergency Repair Program billing and liens, the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP), and 7A administrators explained for building owners.
Agencies: HPD, DSNY · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Violations · 5 min read
NYC rat control rules for property managers: DOHMH rodent violations, Rat Mitigation Zones, and the trash containerization mandate with 2026 deadlines.
Agencies: DSNY, DOT · Topics: Streets, Violations · 5 min read
NYC snow removal rules: the 4-hour sidewalk clearing deadline, DSNY fines starting around $100, and slip-and-fall liability under Admin Code 7-210.
Agencies: DOT · Topics: Violations, Streets · 7 min read
NYC sidewalk violations explained: why DOT issues them, the 75-day repair window, tree-root exceptions, permits, and how to get a dismissal in 2026.
Agencies: DOB, DOT · Topics: Permits, Streets · 5 min read
How to permit storefront signs, awnings, and canopies in NYC: DOB sign permits, DOT revocable consents, LPC approvals, and Dining Out NYC rules for 2026.
Agencies: DEP, DOB · Topics: Construction, Violations · 5 min read
NYC construction noise rules explained: legal work hours, DOB after-hours variances, required noise mitigation plans, and DEP enforcement and penalties in 2026.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Energy/Env, Permits · 5 min read
NYC Local Laws 92 & 94 sustainable roof rules: when new buildings and roof reconstructions must add solar PV or a green roof, exceptions, and tax abatements.
Agencies: DOB · Topics: Safety/Compliance, Construction · 5 min read
NYC Local Law 196 Site Safety Training explained: who needs an SST card, the 40-hour worker and 62-hour supervisor requirements, renewals, and employer duties.
Agencies: DEP · Topics: Streets, Violations · 5 min read
NYC idling law explained: the 3-minute limit, 1-minute near schools, DEP fines starting at $350, and the Citizens Air Complaint Program 25% reward in 2026.
Agencies: HPD, DOB, HCR, Cross-agency · Topics: Tech/Software, Prop Mgmt · 10 min read
How to evaluate property management software for NYC portfolios: compliance calendars, HPD/DOB integration, tenant tools, and what separates NYC-built platforms from generic ones.
Agencies: HPD, DOB, Cross-agency · Topics: Tech/Software, Violations · 9 min read
How NYC landlords can automate HPD and DOB violation alerts, cure deadline tracking, and compliance workflows so no violation goes unnoticed across a portfolio.
Agencies: DOB, NYS, Cross-agency · Topics: Tech/Software, Construction · 8 min read
NYC contractors: compare paper vs. digital daily log systems on compliance, dispute resolution, lien rights, and efficiency — what digital gets right that paper cannot.
Agencies: DOB, BSA, Cross-agency · Topics: Tech/Software, Permits · 9 min read
NYC permit expediters: what software features actually reduce missed objection deadlines, streamline DOB filing queues, and make multi-client permit tracking manageable.
Agencies: HPD, DOB, DOF, Cross-agency · Topics: Tech/Software, Prop Mgmt · 9 min read
NYC property owners: how to move from spreadsheet-based portfolio management to an integrated platform and what you gain in compliance visibility, reporting, and time.
Agencies: DCP · Topics: Zoning/Dev, Tech/Software · 10 min read
Step-by-step guide to calculating unused FAR on NYC lots: how to read the zoning resolution, find your base FAR, calculate existing floor area, and determine development potential.
Agencies: DCP · Topics: Zoning/Dev · 12 min read
NYC Zoning Resolution guide for developers: how to read a zoning designation, understand FAR and use regulations, navigate special districts, and find development potential.