Complete Guide NYC Building Violations — D.O.B. Guard Resources

Complete Guide to NYC Building Violations: Types, Costs & Prevention

NYC building violations can derail property transactions, trigger thousands in fines, and create serious legal liability. In 2024, NYC issued over 650,000 violations across DOB, HPD, ECB, and FDNY—affecting 1 in 3 residential properties. This comprehensive guide covers everything NYC property owners need to know about violations in 2025.

NYC Violation Types: DOB, HPD, ECB, and FDNY

DOB (Department of Buildings) Violations

Covers: Construction work, structural safety, permits, zoning, elevators, facade inspections

Classification: Class 1 (severe), Class 2 (hazardous), Class 3 (lesser)

Penalties: $250–$25,000 per violation + per-diem fines

Most common: Work without permit (WWP), expired permits, facade violations (LL 11), illegal conversions

Read our detailed DOB violations guide.

HPD (Housing Preservation & Development) Violations

Covers: Housing quality, heat/hot water, mold, pests, lead paint, habitability

Classification: Class A (immediately hazardous), Class B (hazardous), Class C (non-hazardous)

Penalties: $50–$1,000 per violation + monthly recurring fines

Most common: No heat/hot water, mold, mice/roaches, peeling paint, broken windows

Learn how to correct HPD violations in our HPD violations fix guide.

ECB (Environmental Control Board) Violations

Covers: Civil penalties for uncorrected DOB/HPD/FDNY violations, noise, sanitation, environmental

Process: OATH administrative hearings with Administrative Law Judges

Penalties: $100–$50,000+ per violation depending on severity and history

Consequences: Unpaid ECB judgments create property liens

Prepare for hearings with our ECB/OATH hearing guide.

FDNY (Fire Department) Violations

Covers: Fire safety, sprinklers, fire alarms, exit signs, fire extinguishers, occupancy limits

Classification: Varies by severity; some result in immediate closure orders

Penalties: $500–$10,000 per violation

Most common: Missing fire extinguishers, obstructed exits, faulty fire alarm, improper storage

How Violations Are Issued

1. Inspections (Random or Scheduled)

DOB and HPD conduct random inspections. Buildings over 6 stories require periodic facade inspections (FISP/LL 11). Elevators, boilers, and fire suppression systems require annual inspections.

2. 311 Complaints (Most Common)

68% of violations originate from 311 complaints. Tenants, neighbors, or passersby report issues → city inspects within 5-30 days → violations issued if problems confirmed.

Read our guide on 311 complaints that become violations.

3. Permit Violations

Construction without permits triggers automatic WWP (work without permit) violations. DOB inspectors patrol neighborhoods and respond to 311 reports of illegal construction.

4. Audit Programs

NYC targets specific neighborhoods for compliance audits: facade safety, elevator inspections, C of O violations, illegal conversions.

Violation Correction Timelines

Violation Type	Correction Deadline	Consequences if Missed
DOB Class 1	30-90 days	ECB summons, Stop Work Order
DOB Class 2	30 days	ECB summons, daily fines
DOB Class 3	90 days	ECB summons
HPD Class A	24 hours	Emergency repair order, ECB
HPD Class B	30 days	ECB summons, litigation
HPD Class C	90 days	ECB summons
FDNY	15-30 days	Building closure, ECB summons

Violation Penalties and Fines (2025)

DOB Fines

Work Without Permit: $2,500–$25,000 base + $500/day
Expired Permit: $500–$2,000 + $250/month
Facade Unsafe (LL 11): $1,000–$5,000 + $250/month
Illegal Conversion: $1,000–$15,000 + $1,000/month
Elevator Violations: $500–$2,500 + $100/day
Stop Work Order Violation: $5,000–$25,000 + criminal charges

HPD Fines

No Heat (Class A): $250–$500 per day
Mold (Class B): $50–$150 per month
Mice/Roaches (Class B): $50–$125 per month
Peeling Paint (Class C): $10–$50 per month

FDNY Fines

Missing Fire Extinguishers: $500–$1,000
Obstructed Exits: $1,000–$5,000
Faulty Fire Alarm: $2,000–$10,000
No Certificate of Fitness: $500–$2,500

How to Correct Violations

Step 1: Identify Violation Type

Log into DOB NOW, HPD Online, or ECB Portal to view full violation details.

Step 2: Hire Licensed Professionals

DOB violations often require licensed contractors (PE, RA, plumbers, electricians). HPD violations may require HPD-approved contractors for lead/mold work.

Step 3: Obtain Permits (if needed)

Correction work may require permits. Check our NYC permit types guide.

Step 4: Complete Corrections

Document all work with before/after photos, invoices, permits, and inspection reports.

Step 5: Certify Correction

File "Certification of Correction" in DOB NOW or HPD Online with supporting documents.

Step 6: Await Verification

DOB/HPD may schedule re-inspection (30-60 days). Once verified, violation is dismissed.

Prevention Strategies

1. Track All Deadlines

Use D.O.B. Guard to monitor: permit expiration dates, FISP filing deadlines, elevator inspection due dates, boiler inspection cycles, C of O renewal dates.

2. Respond to 311 Complaints Immediately

Check NYC 311 daily for new complaints. Resolving complaints before inspections prevents violations.

3. Conduct Quarterly Property Inspections

Hire professionals to inspect: facades, elevators, fire safety systems, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural elements.

4. Maintain Permits

Renew permits annually. Close out completed work immediately to avoid expired permit violations.

5. File Required Reports

NYC requires: FISP facade reports (every 5 years), elevator inspections (annually), boiler inspections (annually), Local Law 87 energy audits (every 10 years).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do violations transfer to new property owners?

Yes. Unresolved violations transfer with the property deed. New owners are liable for correction and fines.

Can I sell property with open violations?

Yes, but violations must be disclosed. Many buyers require sellers to correct violations before closing or place funds in escrow.

How long do dismissed violations stay on record?

Permanently. Dismissed violations remain in DOB/HPD databases but show "dismissed" status and don't affect sales.

Can I get violations removed?

Only if the violation was issued in error. Request OATH hearing and present evidence of compliance or inspector error.

Related Resources

Last updated: October 2025. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.