How Do I Find Out Who Owns a Building in NYC?

January 10, 2026

Ever stumbled upon your dream NYC apartment, only to hit a wall with a shady landlord? Uncovering the real building owner can expose hidden LLCs or absentee investors holding the keys.

Tip: Want to sanity-check a specific address? Search it on Building Health X to see recent heat/hot water, pests, noise, safety and violations across 30/90 days, 1 year and 3 years.

Whether it's a mystery rental or nosy neighbor curiosity, NYC's records reveal all. Dive into ACRIS searches by address, BIS and DOB NOW for permits, third-party gems like PropertyShark, and tips for piercing LLC anonymity-your blueprint to ownership intel awaits!

Landlord vs. LLC Ownership

While individual landlords appear directly in property records, many NYC rentals use LLCs like Harlem Properties LLC to shield personal liability. This setup makes owner lookup more complex in New York City. Public databases like ACRIS and DOF often list the entity name only.

Individual owners show full names and mailing addresses in tax records. In contrast, LLC ownership requires digging into parent-child documents on ACRIS to pierce the veil. Corporations and trusts add further layers of anonymity.

Consider real examples from NYC building records. At 456 Amsterdam Ave in Manhattan, the owner is listed as individual John Smith with a clear address. For 789 Broadway, records show 789BW LLC, which traces back to Boston Properties through DOF filings.

A third case, 123 Main St in Brooklyn, lists Brooklyn Rentals Trust as owner. Verification involves checking deed records and transfer history. Watch for red flags like generic LLC names without principals listed.

Ownership Type	Example	Lookup Challenges	Verification Steps
Individual	John Smith, 456 Amsterdam Ave	Straightforward in DOF tax records	Search by address on finance.nyc.gov
LLC	XYZ Realty LLC	DOF piercing via ACRIS parent-child docs	Review ACRIS deeds, check principals
Corporation	ABC Inc.	Entity name only, no personal details	Cross-reference NY Secretary of State
Trust	John Doe Revocable Trust	Trustee info hidden, probate records needed	Examine certificate of trust in ACRIS

Red flags for anonymous LLCs: Names like 123 LLC or Property Holdings LLC with no activity history.
Multiple layers of LLCs owning each other.
Mailing addresses at law firms or PO boxes.

To verify, start with NYC property search on a836-acris.nyc.gov using block and lot. Follow with DOF for tax records and BIS for building details. Consult a real estate attorney for complex LLC chains.

Navigating the ACRIS Website

ACRIS's document search page at a836-acris.nyc.gov handles 500K+ monthly queries across 5 boroughs with intuitive filters for party name, address, and document type. The Automated City Register Information System from the NYC Department of Finance offers free access to deed records and property deeds. This public database helps you find the current property owner quickly.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to search for building ownership in NYC. The process takes about 5 minutes for most users. Start with the Public Search option for best results.

Visit a836-acris.nyc.gov and select Public Search.
Choose the borough like Manhattan or Brooklyn, then set a date range for recent transfers.
Enter the street address or party name; searching 'Smith' returns 2,847 documents across NYC.
Filter by Document Type as DEED to focus on ownership transfers.
Review the RPET-160 form for owner name, mailing address, and sale price details.
Download the RPDF file for a full copy of the deed and transfer history.

Avoid common errors that slow your NYC property search. Using only the street name often fails; input the full address or BBL (block and lot) instead. Also check both Party1 and Party2 fields, as owners like LLCs or corporations may appear in either.

For complex cases such as condo ownership or trust owners, combine ACRIS with tax records from the DOF site. This verifies ownership history and spots recent changes in commercial or residential buildings. Experts recommend cross-checking with BIS for additional building details like year built or number of floors.

Searching by Address or Block/Lot

Convert 123 Main St, Brooklyn to BBL 1234/567/890 using DOF Property Search first. ACRIS address matching often fails without it. This step ensures accurate results in NYC property records.

Start at the Department of Finance site with Property Search. Enter the street address to find the block and lot number, or BBL. Note the format like 3028450067 for Brooklyn properties.

Go to ACRIS Document Search and select the Street/BBL tab.
Enter the full BBL number, such as 2399/1/1 for 475 Kent Ave in Brooklyn.
Sort results by Record Date DESC to view the latest deed.
Check the most recent property deed for the current owner name and mailing address.

For the real example of 475 Kent Ave, BBL 2399/1/1 reveals a 2022 transfer to Vornado Realty Trust. This shows ownership history clearly. Pro tip: Use block/lot over address for reliable matches on co-ops and condos.

ACRIS provides free access to deed records, mortgages, and liens. Combine with DOF data for assessed value, lot size, and year built. This method works for commercial, residential, or rental properties across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.

Finding Registered Professionals

DOB NOW's licensee search reveals property managers and expediters hired by anonymous LLC owners on many permitted jobs. These professionals often handle filings for building owners in New York City. Public records from the Department of Buildings make it possible to track them down.

Start at dobnow.nyc.gov and navigate to the Public Portal, then select Licensees. Enter the permit number you found in BIS to pull up details. Check the Applicant section for the Registered Agent or Professional Engineer listed.

Go to dobnow.nyc.gov and access the Public Portal.
Click on Licensees and input your permit number from BIS.
Review the Applicant info for the Registered Agent or PE name and contact details.

Cross-reference these findings with other records, as the expediter address often matches the LLC principal's location. For example, permits for 456 Lafayette St in Manhattan list XYZ Management Inc. at a known landlord address. This connection can lead directly to the property owner.

Use this method alongside ACRIS or DOF tax records for confirmation. It works well for commercial buildings and rentals where LLC ownership hides the true owner. Experts recommend noting phone numbers or emails from these profiles for further outreach.

Understanding NYC Property Ownership Records

NYC property records reveal true owners behind rentals hidden as LLCs like 123 Main LLC, accessible via free public tools like ACRIS and BIS. New York City has a unique ownership structure where many multifamily buildings operate under limited liability companies. This setup obscures individual owners but public records make it possible to uncover them.

Key identifiers include the BBL or Block and Lot number, which pinpoints a property's location on tax maps. The BIN or Building Identification Number links to Department of Buildings data, while folio numbers appear in tax records from the Department of Finance. Use these to search across databases for accurate owner details.

Start with an online search by entering the street address or BBL into ACRIS for deed records. Cross-reference with BIS for building specifics like certificate of occupancy and BIS for violations. This step-by-step approach reveals owner name, mailing address, and ownership history.

Record Type	Best Source	Data Provided	Example
Deeds/Owners	ACRIS	Owner name, deed date, sale price	123 Main St BBL
Tax Records	DOF	Assessed value, mailing address	BBL 1001230078
Building Info	BIS	BIN, floors, year built	BIN 3333333
Violations	DOB	Owner contact, open issues	Address search

Public records fall under NYC Charter 1524, ensuring free access to verified property data. Always check multiple sources for complete ownership verification on residential or commercial buildings.

Using ACRIS (Primary Online Tool)

ACRIS at a836-acris.nyc.gov indexes over 10 million NYC deeds since 1966. It reveals most ownership transfers including LLC formations for massive property volume. This free Automated City Register Information System from the NYC Department of Finance is the main tool for building ownership searches.

ACRIS covers key document types like deeds, mortgages, and RPET forms. These public records show property owner names, mailing addresses, and transfer history. Access is free for viewing, but certified copies cost $15 or more.

Start your online search by selecting the correct borough such as Manhattan or Brooklyn. Enter the street address, block and lot, or BIN in the search bar. Review results for the latest property deed to identify the current owner, whether an individual, LLC, or corporation.

Common pitfalls include wrong borough selection, which pulls incorrect records. Double-check the tax map number or folio against DOF tax records first. For complex cases like condo or co-op ownership, cross-reference with BIS on the DOB site.

Step-by-Step ACRIS Search Tutorial

Navigate to the ACRIS homepage and choose Public Search. Pick your NYC borough, then input the street address or block and lot. Hit search to view indexed documents from deed records to mortgage filings.

Scan the list for the most recent deed or RPET form, which lists the owner name and transfer date. Click into documents for details on real property transfer, liens, or ownership history. Note the grantee section for the current property owner.

If results show an LLC or trust owner, note the mailing address for further verification. Use filters for specific document types to avoid overload. Save or print key pages for your records.

Avoid pitfalls by confirming the property class matches, like residential or commercial building. For rental properties, check recent transfers to find the landlord.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

Selecting the wrong borough is a top error, mixing up Bronx records with Queens, for example. Always verify the address against NYC property search tools first. Cross-check with tax records for accuracy.

Older properties before 1966 may have gaps, so consider a title company or real estate attorney for full title search. LLC ownership often hides individual names, requiring secretary of state lookups.

Confirm block and lot via DOF property database.
Focus on post-1966 deeds for reliable ownership history.
Watch for RPET forms showing assessed value and market value changes.
Combine with BIS for certificate of occupancy and building details like square footage or year built.

Accessing BIS for Building Details

BIS links 1.2M NYC buildings to owners via BINs and CO holders, revealing property managers for many commercial properties. The Building Information System from the Department of Buildings offers free public access to key details like owner mailing address, certificate of occupancy holder, and zoning. This tool helps with building ownership lookups without needing paid services.

To start, search by street address or Building Identification Number on the BIS site. Go to the Buildings Tab and check the 'Owner' field for the mailing address tied to the property. Then, visit the Certificates Tab to find the CO holder, which often differs from the deed owner listed in ACRIS.

For example, searching 1 World Trade Center with BIN 1084896 shows the Port Authority as the CO holder. This reveals the managing entity even if deeds list other parties. Keep in mind BIS updates lag deed records by 6-12 months due to processing times.

Enter the NYC address or BIN in the BIS search bar.
Select the correct building from results, then click Buildings Tab.
Review Owner field for mailing details and Certificates Tab for CO info.
Cross-check with zoning and other tabs for full context on property records.

DOB NOW for Permit Owners

DOB NOW's permit database exposes real owners through active NYC building permits, often listing property managers absent from deeds. The system replaced the older BIS in a 2020 rollout by the Department of Buildings. It provides free public access to recent filings at dobnow.nyc.gov.

Focus on DOB NOW for buildings with recent renovations or rehab projects. Permit applications list the applicant and property owner, revealing LLC managers or contacts for rent-regulated properties. This helps uncover building ownership details not shown in tax records.

To search, enter the street address, BIN, or block and lot in the public portal. Results show permit history, owner names, and mailing addresses tied to filings. For example, a Brooklyn rental building might list an LLC with manager details for a recent plumbing permit.

Combine DOB NOW with ACRIS or DOF records for full ownership verification. It's ideal for commercial buildings or residential ones with active work. Experts recommend checking violation records here too for landlord insights.

PropertyShark and Third-Party Sites

PropertyShark aggregates ACRIS and BIS data into $29.95 reports showing ownership chains for over 100K+ NYC properties, saving 2-3 hours versus manual searches. These paid reports pull from NYC public records like deed records and tax records. Users can search by street address or block and lot for quick access to owner name and mailing address.

For a Brooklyn multi-family building, PropertyShark reveals the LLC ownership details, transfer history, and assessed value in one report. It includes maps and ownership history not easily found on free sites. This tool suits those needing detailed property owner info without visiting government offices.

Other third-party sites offer alternatives based on budget and needs. Free options provide basics, while paid ones deliver deeper insights like full title chains. Always cross-check with official sources for the latest data.

Third-party sites often lag official sources by 30-90 days due to update delays from Department of Finance and Department of Buildings. For time-sensitive ownership verification, verify via ACRIS or DOF directly. This ensures accuracy for landlord lookup or real estate deals.

Site	Cost	Key Features	Best For
PropertyShark	$29.95	Owner history, maps	Instant detailed reports
StreetEasy	Free	Basic owner info	Rentals only
WhoOwnsWhat	$99+	Full title chain	Investors
NYCPropertyRecords.com	Free	Tax basics	Quick lookups

Ordering Official Deeds from City Register

Certified deeds ($15 first page) from ACRIS provide court-admissible owner proof, essential for eviction or lien claims. These official documents confirm building ownership in New York City. They list the property owner's name, often an LLC or corporation, along with the mailing address.

To start, use the ACRIS system on the city's public database. Search by street address or block and lot to find the document number for the latest property deed. This reveals ownership history and transfer details.

Next, request a certified copy through ACRIS online or at the City Register office. Fees apply at $15 per page, with delivery in 5-10 days. Use this for ownership verification, like checking LLC standing for service of process in rental property disputes.

Access ACRIS and locate the document number via online search.
Order the certified deed, paying for each page.
Receive it by mail or pick up for legal use.

For post-2003 transfers, try the eCRV system as an alternative. It offers free access to real property transfer records. Experts recommend certified deeds for formal title searches in commercial or residential buildings.

Visiting the Department of Finance

DOF's Public Records Unit at 66 John St reveals mailing addresses for tax class 2 properties, including LLC principals via subpoena if needed. This in-person visit offers direct access to property owner details not always available online. Head to the 2nd floor weekdays from 9AM to 4PM.

Bring the block and lot number, or BBL, for your building search. Request the free 'Owner Name/Address' printout at the counter. Staff can guide you through the process quickly.

For older records before 1985, ask to view microfiche files. These contain historical deed records and ownership changes. Combine this with online tools for a full picture.

A pro tip is to request the 'alternate mailing address' field. It often lists contacts for LLC ownership or property management. This helps verify the true property owner in NYC.

In-Person Steps at 66 John St

Start by locating the Department of Finance office at 66 John Street, 2nd Floor in Manhattan. Confirm hours are Monday through Friday, 9AM to 4PM. No appointment is needed for basic owner lookup.

Present your BBL or street address to staff. They provide a free printout of the owner name and mailing address from tax records. This covers most residential building and commercial building queries.

If records are pre-1985, request microfiche access. Scan for past property deeds and transfer history. Note details like assessed value or property class shown alongside.

Virtual Alternative: Property Tax System Online

Use the NYC Property Tax System online for quick checks without visiting. Search by street address, BIN, or block and lot to view basic owner name info. It's limited compared to in-person but free and available 24/7.

Access reveals mailing address, market value, and tax class details. For deeper dives like LLC ownership, pair it with DOF visits. Experts recommend this for initial NYC property search.

Combine with ACRIS for deed records and BIS for building specifics. This virtual path suits remote ownership verification. Always cross-check with public records for accuracy.

Handling LLCs and Anonymous Owners

The NY LLC Act shields many NYC rental owners by allowing anonymous LLCs to hold building ownership. Start your search with the NY Secretary of State for a $5 lookup, then check ACRIS formation docs to often reveal true principals. This approach helps pierce common LLC veils in New York City property records.

Many NYC buildings list owners like XYZ123 LLC in DOF tax records. Use public databases to trace further, focusing on free records first. Paid options like certified documents provide deeper ownership verification.

Follow this 5-step process to uncover hidden owners behind LLCs in property searches.

Check DOF owner name, which often shows something like XYZ123 LLC.
Search dos.ny.gov Entity Database for free basic info.
Access ACRIS Articles of Organization for a $15 certified copy.
Review County Clerk UCC liens for financing clues.
Examine NYS Tax Warrants for enforcement actions.

For example, 123 Flatbush LLC might trace to John Smith c/o 456 Ocean Pkwy. Note that under RPAPL 881, you can serve legal papers on the registered agent.

Step 1: Start with DOF Property Records

Begin at the Department of Finance site using block and lot or street address. The owner name field typically lists an LLC ownership entity like Flatbush Holdings LLC. This gives the mailing address and sparks your LLC piercing effort.

DOF records are free and public via online search. Look for tax map number details alongside the LLC name. Cross-reference with ACRIS next for deed ties.

Step 2: NY Secretary of State Entity Database

Head to dos.ny.gov and enter the LLC name from DOF. This free lookup shows the registered agent, service address, and filing date. It often reveals property management contacts for rental property owners.

Experts recommend noting the agent's details for landlord lookup. If anonymous, proceed to formation papers. This step uncovers corporation owner links quickly.

Steps 3-5: ACRIS, UCC Liens, and Tax Warrants

Get ACRIS Articles of Organization for $15 to see organizers and addresses. Search County Clerk UCC liens by LLC name for mortgage records pointing to individuals. Finally, check NYS Tax Warrants for liens exposing true owners.

In a Brooklyn residential building case, ACRIS revealed a trust owner behind the LLC. Use lien search tools in each borough like Manhattan or Queens. Combine with violation records from DOB for full ownership history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find Out Who Owns a Building in NYC?

To find out who owns a building in NYC, start with the NYC Department of Finance's ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) website. Search by address or block and lot (BBL) number to access property records, deeds, and ownership details for free. This is the primary public database for real property ownership in the city.

What is ACRIS and How Do I Use It to Find Building Owners in NYC?

ACRIS is the NYC Department of Finance's online portal for property records. Visit the ACRIS website, enter the building's address or BBL, select "Property" or "Document" search, and review the latest deed for the current owner's name, which could be an individual, LLC, or corporation.

Can I Find Out Who Owns a Building in NYC Using Just the Address?

Yes, using just the address on ACRIS or the NYC Property Information Portal (via NYC.gov), you can quickly locate the BBL and pull up ownership records. For more details like mortgages or transfers, dive into ACRIS document searches.

Are There Free Tools Besides ACRIS to Find Building Ownership in NYC?

Yes, the NYC BIS (Building Information System) and the Primary Land Use Tax Lot Output (PLUTO) dataset from NYC Open Data provide ownership info alongside other property details. ACRIS remains the most comprehensive free source for official ownership history.

What If the Owner is Listed as an LLC-How Do I Dig Deeper in NYC?

If an LLC owns the building in NYC, use the NY Department of State Division of Corporations database to search the entity's details, officers, and registered agent. Combine this with ACRIS for full ownership transparency.

How Current Are the Ownership Records When I Search How Do I Find Out Who Owns a Building in NYC?

ACRIS records are updated in real-time as documents are filed, typically within days of recording. For the absolute latest, check recent deed filings or contact the NYC Department of Finance for any pending changes.