NYC DOB ViolationsHow to check NYC DOB violations by address
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Short answer
You can check NYC building violations for free through the Buildings Information System (BIS) and DOB NOW Public Portal for DOB records, HPD Online for housing violations, and the OATH summons finder for ECB summonses. Each searches by address or Building Identification Number (BIN), and each covers a different agency, so check them together.
Where to look
| Record type | Where to search |
|---|---|
| DOB violations and complaints | Buildings Information System (BIS) |
| DOB NOW filings and safety records | DOB NOW Public Portal |
| HPD housing violations and complaints | HPD Online |
| OATH and ECB summonses | OATH summons finder |
NYC Open Data sets
The same records are published as public datasets, which is what the app reads:
| Dataset | Agency |
|---|---|
| DOB Violations | Department of Buildings |
| DOB ECB Violations | Department of Buildings |
| DOB Safety Violations | Department of Buildings |
| DOB Complaints Received | Department of Buildings |
| Housing Maintenance Code Violations | HPD |
| Housing Maintenance Code Complaints and Problems | HPD |
What the classes mean
HPD violations and DOB summonses use different scales.
| Class | Meaning | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| HPD Class A | Non-hazardous | 90 days from service |
| HPD Class B | Hazardous | 30 days from service |
| HPD Class C | Immediately hazardous | 24 hours for most conditions |
| DOB Class 1 summons | Immediately hazardous | Correct immediately and file a Certificate of Correction |
Some HPD conditions have their own time limits, and DOB and OATH notices state the exact requirements for each case. Follow the violation notice itself.
Frequently asked questions
How do I look up violations for an NYC building?
Search the address in BIS for DOB records, HPD Online for housing records and the OATH summons finder for ECB summonses. All are free.
What is a BIN?
A Building Identification Number. It identifies one building, and it is more precise than an address when a lot has several buildings.
Why do DOB and HPD show different violations?
They are separate agencies enforcing different codes. A building can have open records with one and none with the other, so check both.
Is there a way to get alerts for new violations?
The free NYC DOB Violations iPhone app checks the city's open data for your buildings and notifies you about new violations, complaints and approaching deadlines.