Landlord's Guide: HPD Violations Cure Process and Timelines

HPD (NYC Housing Preservation & Development) violations can escalate quickly if not addressed within deadlines. This guide provides a complete roadmap for landlords: from receiving the violation notice to final dismissal. Learn the exact steps, timelines, and documentation required to cure HPD violations and avoid thousands in civil penalties.

Understanding HPD Violation Classes

HPD classifies violations by severity, which determines correction deadlines:

Class	Severity	Examples	Correction Deadline	Civil Penalty
Class C	Immediately Hazardous	No heat in winter, structural collapse risk, lead paint, severe pest infestation	24 hours	$500–$1,000/day
Class B	Hazardous	Large leaks, no hot water, broken locks, mold, pests	30 days	$250–$500/day
Class A	Non-Hazardous	Minor leaks, peeling paint, cracked plaster	90 days	$50–$150/day

⚠️ Critical: Deadlines start from the date HPD issues the violation, NOT when you receive the notice. Always check the violation date.

Step-by-Step HPD Violation Cure Process

Step 1: Receive Violation Notice (Day 1)

How You'll Be Notified:

Mail: Notice sent to property owner's registered address
Posted on Property: If mail is undeliverable
HPD Online Portal: Log into HPD Online to view all violations

What to Check:

Violation class (A, B, or C)
Correction deadline
Apartment number and specific location
Description of issue
Violation ID number

Step 2: Inspect the Property (Days 1–3)

Conduct Your Own Inspection:

Visit the property and verify the violation
Take photos/videos showing current condition (date-stamped)
Interview tenants if applicable (get their account of the issue)
Check for related issues that may need repair

Document Everything:

Create a work order with violation details
Photograph condition before correction begins
Note any discrepancies (if violation is inaccurate)

Step 3: Correct the Violation (Days 3–30/90)

Class C (24 Hours):

Call emergency contractor immediately (within 2–4 hours)
Examples: Restore heat, repair severe structural damage, remove lead paint hazard
Document emergency response with timestamped photos and invoices

Class B (30 Days):

Schedule contractor within 1 week
Complete repairs within 3–4 weeks to allow buffer for re-inspection
Examples: Repair leaks, fix broken locks, remediate mold, exterminate pests

Class A (90 Days):

Schedule contractor within 2–3 weeks
Complete repairs within 60–75 days to allow buffer for certification and re-inspection
Examples: Repaint peeling walls, repair minor plaster cracks, replace broken tiles

Hire Licensed Contractors:

Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) for plumbing issues
Licensed electrician for electrical issues
EPA-certified lead contractor for lead paint violations
DOHMH-registered pest control for infestation violations

Step 4: Certify Correction (Within Deadline)

How to File Certification:

Log into HPD Online: Go to hpdonline.hpdnyc.org and sign in with your HPD account
Navigate to Violations: Find the specific violation by address or violation ID
Click "Certify Correction": Select the violation and choose "Owner's Certification of Correction"
Upload Proof: Attach supporting documents (photos, invoices, permits, inspection reports)
Submit: Review and submit certification

Required Documentation:

Before/After Photos: Show condition before repair and after completion (date-stamped)
Contractor Invoice: Detailed invoice showing work performed, materials used, and payment
Permits: DOB permits if work required permit (e.g., plumbing, electrical, facade)
Inspection Reports: Third-party reports (engineer, architect, pest control, lead inspector)
Certificates: Lead clearance certificates, boiler inspection certificates, etc.

⚠️ Critical Mistake to Avoid: Never certify correction if work is NOT completed. False certification can result in fraud charges and increased penalties.

Step 5: HPD Re-Inspection (30–90 Days After Certification)

What Happens:

HPD may schedule re-inspection to verify correction (not required for all violations)
Inspector will check if issue is fully corrected
You or your representative must provide access to the property

Inspection Results:

Pass: Violation dismissed (no further action)
Fail: Violation remains open; you must re-correct and re-certify
No Access: If you fail to provide access, HPD may sustain violation and issue civil penalties

Pro Tip: Be proactive. Call HPD Enforcement at (212) 863-8266 to request expedited re-inspection if deadline is approaching.

Step 6: Violation Dismissed (Final)

Timeline: 30–60 days after re-inspection (or immediately if no re-inspection required)

Confirmation:

Check HPD Online portal to verify violation status shows "Dismissed" or "Closed"
Download dismissal confirmation for your records
Violation is removed from property record

What If You Miss the Deadline?

Civil Penalties (ECB Violations)

If you don't certify correction within the deadline, HPD refers the case to the Environmental Control Board (ECB) for civil penalties:

Class A: $50–$150 per day (calculated from original deadline)
Class B: $250–$500 per day
Class C: $500–$1,000 per day

Example: If you miss a Class B deadline by 60 days, you could owe $250 × 60 = $15,000 in penalties.

Emergency Repair Program (ERP)

For severe violations (no heat, structural hazards), HPD may:

Perform repairs using City contractors
Bill you for the cost + administrative fees (often 2–3× market rate)
Place lien on property if bill is unpaid

Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP)

Properties with chronic violations may be placed in HPD's "worst landlord" watchlist:

Court-appointed administrator takes over property management
Rent payments go to City to fund repairs
Owner loses control until all violations are corrected

Common HPD Violation Scenarios

Scenario 1: No Heat Violation (Class C)

Timeline:

Day 1 (0 hours): Receive violation notice
Day 1 (2 hours): Call emergency boiler contractor
Day 1 (12 hours): Contractor arrives, diagnoses issue
Day 1 (24 hours): Heat restored, take photos, get invoice
Day 2: Log into HPD Online and certify correction (upload photos + invoice)
Day 30: HPD re-inspection (pass)
Day 45: Violation dismissed

Scenario 2: Mold Violation (Class B)

Timeline:

Day 1: Receive violation notice
Day 3: Inspect property, identify leak source
Day 7: Hire licensed plumber to repair leak
Day 10: Leak repaired
Day 14: Hire mold remediation contractor
Day 21: Mold removed, clearance testing completed
Day 25: Certify correction in HPD Online (upload photos, invoices, clearance test)
Day 55: HPD re-inspection (pass)
Day 70: Violation dismissed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dispute an HPD violation?

Yes. If the violation is inaccurate, file a dispute with HPD Enforcement within 10 days. Provide photos and evidence showing no violation exists.

What if I'm a new owner and inherited violations?

You're responsible for correcting violations even if the previous owner caused them. Always review HPD records before purchasing a property.

Can I get an extension on the deadline?

HPD rarely grants extensions. However, if you have documented proof of extraordinary circumstances (supply chain delays, contractor unavailability), contact HPD Enforcement to request extension.

What if the tenant caused the violation?

You're still responsible for correction. However, you may be able to sue tenant for damages or evict for lease violations (consult attorney).

Key Takeaways

Act immediately—deadlines are strict (24 hours, 30 days, or 90 days)
Document everything: photos, invoices, permits, inspection reports
Certify correction in HPD Online portal before deadline
Provide access for HPD re-inspection
Missing deadlines results in per-diem penalties ($50–$1,000/day)
Use automated monitoring to track all HPD violations and deadlines

Resources

Related Resources

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