How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings
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In New York City's competitive rental market, a building's eviction history can reveal critical insights into landlord practices and tenant risks. Uncovering holdover vs. nonpayment cases through official sources like the eCourts Portal, HPD Open Data, and WebCivil enables informed decisions.
Discover step-by-step searches, advanced tools like JustFix.nyc, and legal considerations to navigate records effectively-what hidden patterns might your next building hold?
Understanding Eviction Records in NYC
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NYC eviction records document legal proceedings in Housing Court, publicly accessible but with privacy protections under Housing Stability Act 2019.
New York City's unique court structure handles cases in the NYC Civil Court Housing Part across five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. This system processes over 150K cases annually, reflecting high demand in the rental market.
All eviction filings become public records available via eCourts NYC or public access terminals, aiding tenant screening and landlord verification. However, recent tenant protection laws limit details on sealed or dismissed cases to protect tenant history.
For building address searches, use property details like block and lot or BIN number to review eviction history patterns, such as serial evictions or neighborhood trends in Manhattan evictions or Brooklyn evictions.
Look up open building violations in seconds
Search any NYC address to see DOB/HPD activity, safety signals, and what might be driving tenant complaints.
What Counts as an Eviction Record
Eviction records include filed petitions, judgments, warrants, and marshal executions from NYC Civil Court Housing Part cases.
Key types start with Index Number filings, like Index No. 300123/2023 in Queens, marking the case start. Next are nonpayment petitions for rent arrears and holdover petitions for lease issues, both searchable by property address.
- Judgment of Possession: Court order granting landlord rights, e.g., Judgment entered 05/15/2023 in Bronx evictions.
- Warrant of Eviction: Official move-out order, often listed with issuance date in eCourts NYC.
- Marshal execution records: Enforcement by NYC Sheriff, showing actual eviction dates for Staten Island evictions.
Access these via NY Courts website, WebCivil Supreme, or case search tools to check apartment eviction records and spot bad tenant red flags during rental history checks.
Differences Between Holdover and Nonpayment Evictions
Nonpayment evictions address unpaid rent while holdover evictions involve lease terminations or nuisance claims.
| Type | Cause | Cure Period | 2023 Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment | Rent arrears | 14 days | 98K |
| Holdover | Lease end/nuisance | Varies | 52K |
Real examples from eCourts include a nonpayment eviction at 123 Main St, Brooklyn (Docket 050456/2023) cured after 14 days' notice. A holdover case in Manhattan (Index No. 310789/2023) stemmed from lease expiration without renewal.
Landlords use these distinctions in lease screening criteria to assess risks like security deposit issues. Tenants facing eviction notices should note cure periods for defense in landlord tenant court.
Public Access and Privacy Limitations
Post-2019 Housing Stability Act seals nonpayment cases dismissed pre-judgment and limits public indexing of tenant names.
Access faces four key restrictions. First, sealed dismissal records hide outcomes under Local Law 55, protecting clean rental records.
- Name suppression rules: Tenant names often redacted in public records, searchable only by docket number or building address.
- Right to Counsel data protection: Shields info from cases with tenant lawyers, part of eviction defense efforts.
- 2020-2023 COVID eviction moratorium gaps: Many filings paused, creating incomplete histories in eviction databases.
Check HPD eviction records or Department of Housing Preservation for complements, but use online eviction lookup cautiously. This balances tenant rights NYC with landlord needs for background checks in rent stabilized apartments or Section 8 housing.
Primary Official Sources
NYC's three main eviction data sources provide essential access to eviction history for NYC buildings. eCourts covers current cases, WebCivil handles historical records, and HPD tracks notices. These portals together offer broad coverage of public records for tenant screening and landlord verification.
Start with eCourts.nyc for real-time Housing Court dockets across all five boroughs. Use WebCivil on the NY State courts site for older court records. Check HPD's portal for pre-court eviction notices tied to property address or BBL.
Combine these for a full rental history check. For example, search a Brooklyn evictions case by docket number in eCourts, then verify past eviction filings in WebCivil. Public terminals aid those without internet.
Updates vary: eCourts is real-time, WebCivil less frequent, HPD monthly. Focus on building address searches to spot patterns like serial evictions or eviction rate building trends.
NYC Civil Court (eCourts Portal)
eCourts.nyc handles active Housing Court cases with real-time docket access for all five boroughs NYC. Search by landlord tenant court index number, party name, or building address. It covers nonpayment eviction and holdover eviction proceedings from 2018 to present.
Access via ecourts.nyc for online eviction lookup. Limitations include no pre-2018 data, so pair with other sources for complete eviction history. View summary proceedings, judgments, and warrant of eviction statuses.
Over 60 public access terminals are available at Civil Court locations in Manhattan evictions, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. For instance, visit the Manhattan Housing Court terminal to pull a recent eviction lawsuit docket without a computer.
Ideal for spotting bad tenant red flags in lease application reviews. Clerks can assist with case search, but expect queues during peak hours.
NY State Unified Court System (WebCivil)
WebCivil Supreme provides 2004-2018 eviction appeals and Supreme Court landlord-tenant cases. Access through iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil on the NY Courts website. It fills gaps in eCourts for older civil court records.
Search by property address, party names, or docket number for eviction judgment details. Coverage focuses on Supreme Court matters, like complex rent stabilized apartments disputes. Archive gaps exist for some sealed or expunged eviction sealing records.
Use for background check rental on long-term tenant history. For example, trace a Queens evictions appeal from 2015 to assess security deposit risk.
Less real-time than eCourts, but valuable for historical eviction records. Combine with HPD for eviction database completeness across NYC rent laws eras.
HPD Open Data Portal
HPD's Open Data portal tracks pre-litigation eviction notices since 2018 across thousands of NYC buildings. Access datasets in CSV or JSON formats with monthly updates. Match using BBL or block and lot for precise HPD eviction records.
Search for eviction notice types linked to building violations, code violations, or habitability issues. Datasets cover Department of Housing Preservation filings before NYC Housing Court. Download for data visualization evictions or eviction maps NYC.
Practical for real estate investor checks on owner lookup NYC. For a Bronx evictions building, filter by BIN number to reveal illegal eviction patterns or tenant protection laws violations.
Free and bulk-friendly for property management software. Experts recommend cross-referencing with court data for full eviction history report.
Step-by-Step: Searching eCourts for Evictions
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Follow these 4 steps to search any NYC building's 5-year eviction history through eCourts in under 10 minutes. This process uses the NY Courts website to access public housing court records. Expect the full search to take about 8 minutes.
Start at eCourts.nyc/housing for the main portal. Enter the building's Boro-Block-Lot (BBL) format next. Then apply the Housing Part filter to focus on evictions.
Finish by exporting case summaries for review. These steps reveal eviction filings, outcomes, and tenant history patterns. Use this for tenant screening or landlord verification.
- Navigate to ecourts.nyc/housing and select the civil court search option.
- Enter the BBL format (BORO-BLOCK-LOT) for the property address.
- Select the Housing Part filter to narrow to eviction cases.
- Export or review case summaries for detailed eviction records.
Creating an Account and Logging In
Public eCourts searches require no account. Premium document downloads need attorney e-filing registration. Use public access for free dockets and basic eviction history.
Registered users pay a small fee per page for full filings. Registration links appear on the eCourts NYC login page. This setup separates free public records from paid options.
Public terminals at courthouses offer similar access without online login. Choose based on your needs for NYC Housing Court data. Experts recommend starting with public views for quick building eviction records.
For tenant screening, public dockets often suffice. Registered access helps with detailed summary proceedings reviews. Always verify login status before searching.
Searching by Address or Borough/Block/Lot
Convert addresses to BBL format using NYC BIS, for example, 123 Main St Brooklyn becomes 3-00123-0001. This standardizes searches across NYC buildings. Use the BBL lookup tool at a836-acris.nyc.gov/bbl for accuracy.
Each borough has unique prefixes: Manhattan (1), Brooklyn (3), Queens (4), Bronx (2), Staten Island (5). Address autocomplete helps refine entries. This method pulls precise eviction records by property.
BBL ties to block and lot in city databases like ACRIS and BIS. Search by building address if BBL is unknown. Results show landlord-tenant court cases linked to the location.
Practice with sample addresses from each borough for familiarity. This supports rental history checks and spotting patterns like serial evictions. Combine with owner lookup for full context.
Filtering for Housing Part Cases
Filter 'HP' part code to isolate eviction cases from commercial disputes. Select Housing Part and Case Type=Summary Proceeding. Common codes include HP01 (Bronx) and HP02 (Brooklyn).
These filters target nonpayment evictions and holdovers in NYC Housing Court. Avoid civil cases unrelated to tenants. This step ensures relevant public eviction records.
Apply filters after entering BBL for focused results. Review dockets for warrant of eviction mentions. Use for background check rental purposes.
Housing Part covers most residential disputes under NYC rent laws. Check multiple parts if needed for thoroughness. This refines data on building-specific eviction trends.
Interpreting Case Outcomes
Key outcomes include 'Judgment for Petitioner' marking landlord wins, 'Dismissed' for tenant victories, and 'Stipulated Settlement'. Look for Final Judgment, Warrant Issued, and Tenant Default as red flags.
A Judgment for Petitioner often means eviction proceeded. Warrants signal actual moves by marshal or sheriff. Defaults show tenants did not respond.
Settlements may hide details, check stipulations for payments or moves. High volumes indicate bad tenant red flags or building issues. Use for lease application risk assessment.
- Final Judgment: Court ruled for landlord, eviction likely.
- Warrant Issued: Official eviction order executed.
- Tenant Default: No tenant defense filed.
- Dismissed: Case dropped, often tenant favor.
- Stipulated Settlement: Agreement reached outside full trial.
Using HPD and Alternative Data Tools
Supplement court records with HPD's eviction notices and nonprofit aggregators covering pre-litigation activity. These datasets complement NYC Housing Court filings by capturing early-stage eviction notices and building violations. HPD data spans 2018 to present, while aggregators like JustFix.nyc extend back further for tenant screening and landlord verification.
Access these through NYC Open Data portals for free. They reveal eviction history patterns in NYC buildings, such as serial evictions in Brooklyn evictions or Queens evictions. Combine with property address searches using BBL or BIN numbers for complete rental history checks.
Nonprofits focus on tenant defense and habitability issues, cross-referencing eviction records with code violations. This helps spot bad tenant red flags or illegal evictions before summary proceedings. Experts recommend these for lease application reviews in rent-stabilized apartments.
Use for neighborhood eviction trends across boroughs like Manhattan evictions or Bronx evictions. They aid real estate investors in risk assessment rental and property management software integration.
Downloading Eviction Notices Dataset
HPD Eviction Notices dataset (2018-2024) contains 3 columns: BBL, Notice Date, Service Method. Download the CSV from data.cityofnewyork.us/Housing-Development/Eviction-Notices/erm2-nwe9. This captures pre-court eviction notices for nonpayment evictions and holdover cases across NYC buildings.
Preview the CSV to filter by building address or borough. For example, search BBL for a Brooklyn apartment building to view notice frequency. Import into Excel for quick analysis of eviction history.
Create a pivot table: rows for BBL, values for count of notices, columns for year. This reveals serial evictions or trends in Staten Island evictions. Pair with HPD eviction records for tenant history insights.
Ideal for background check rental before approving a prospective tenant. Check service methods to flag aggressive landlord tenant court tactics or eviction moratorium violations.
NYC Open Data Eviction Filings
NYC Open Data aggregates filing records with petitioner names, judge assignments, filing dates. Key datasets include Eviction Filings at data.cityofnewyork.us/Housing-Court/Eviction-Filings/whatever-id, with columns for docket number, property address, respondent details.
Eviction Judgments dataset lists outcomes, judgment dates, amounts owed. Warrants of Eviction track execution dates, marshal info for warrant of eviction status. Housing Court Judgments add eviction judgment specifics like possession awards.
- Filings: Index number, borough, landlord name for eviction filings lookup.
- Judgments: Decision type, court dates for NYC Housing Court results.
- Warrants: Service date, building BBL for marshal eviction history.
- Case Details: Parties involved, case type for holdover eviction or nonpayment.
Filter by block and lot to analyze eviction rate building. Useful for spotting subsidized housing evictions or Section 8 patterns in affordable housing crisis areas.
Third-Party Aggregators like JustFix.nyc
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JustFix.nyc offers free BBL-based eviction maps and violation cross-references for all NYC buildings. Compare with Who Owns What (free, ownership focus via ACRIS integration) and PropertyShark ($49/mo, premium reports with eviction history reports).
JustFix excels in tenant defense use cases, linking eviction database to building violations and right to counsel eviction resources. Enter a Queens property address to see maps of eviction predictor risks and good cause eviction flags.
- JustFix: Free, tenant-focused for eviction defense and tenant rights NYC.
- Who Owns What: Free owner lookup, multiple dwelling registration for owner lookup NYC.
- PropertyShark: Paid, detailed tenant database with DOB NOW, BIS data.
Use for lease screening criteria like no eviction history or clean rental record. Helps property managers assess security deposit risk amid NYC rent laws like Housing Stability Act.
Advanced Search Techniques
Scale research across 100+ buildings using APIs, 311 cross-referencing, and historical workarounds. These methods help landlords and real estate investors analyze eviction history for multiple NYC buildings efficiently. They uncover patterns in eviction filings tied to building addresses across boroughs like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Start with NYC Open Data APIs for bulk queries on eviction records and HPD violations. Combine this with 311 complaints to spot habitability issues linked to nonpayment evictions or holdover cases. For older data, use court archives or paid services to fill gaps in public records.
These techniques support tenant screening and landlord verification by revealing serial evictions or high eviction rates per building. Experts recommend cross-checking borough block lot numbers for accurate matches. This approach aids in risk assessment for lease applications and security deposit decisions.
Visualize results with eviction maps to track neighborhood trends in Bronx or Staten Island evictions. Integrate findings into property management software for ongoing monitoring of rental history checks. Always verify data against NYC Housing Court dockets for complete tenant history.
Using APIs for Bulk Building Queries
NYC Open Data Socrata API queries 10K eviction records per minute using BBL lists. This tool accesses eviction endpoints for NYC buildings, pulling data on summary proceedings and warrants of eviction. Use it for fast lookups on property addresses in all boroughs.
Combine with the HPD Violations API to link code violations to eviction patterns. For example, query a Bronx apartment building by borough block lot to retrieve nonpayment cases and building violations. A sample curl command looks like this: curl "https://data.cityofnewyork.us/resource/evictions.json?borough_block_lot=3-00123-0001".
Respect rate limits of 1K calls per hour to avoid blocks. Process BBL lists from ACRIS or Who Owns What NYC for portfolio analysis. This method streamlines background checks for prospective tenants and reveals red flags like frequent eviction judgments.
Test queries on known high-eviction buildings in Brooklyn to refine your script. Export results to CSV for data visualization of eviction trends. Pair with TransUnion rental screening for comprehensive lease screening criteria.
Cross-Referencing with 311 Complaints
Correlate eviction rates with 311 complaints using the NYC 311 API from dataset.nyc.gov. Match by BBL to connect heat complaints or repair issues to higher eviction filings in rent-stabilized apartments. This reveals habitability problems driving nonpayment evictions.
Query for buildings with 10+ complaints plus eviction records to identify risky properties. For instance, a Queens building with repeated illegal eviction reports may signal tenant protection law violations. Use the API to filter by borough for targeted analysis in Manhattan evictions.
Research suggests patterns emerge when combining 311 data with eCourts NYC case searches. This helps in eviction predictor models for real estate investors. Check for links to subsidized housing evictions or COVID eviction ban impacts.
Download datasets and join on building address or BIN number for insights. Visualize with eviction maps to spot neighborhood eviction trends. Apply to tenant database checks for clean rental records before approving lease applications.
Historical Data Limitations Pre-2017
Pre-2017 records require in-person Civil Court archives or LexisNexis CourtLink at about $95 per search. eCourts covers 2018 onward, while WebCivil Supreme handles 2004-2017 appeals only, missing many summary proceedings. Gaps affect full access to older eviction notices and judgments.
Use workarounds like PACER federal for related cases, newspaper archives for publicized evictions, or Lexis at roughly $0.75 per page. Visit NYC Housing Court public access terminals for manual docket number lookups. This fills holes in online eviction lookups for pre-Housing Stability Act cases.
For rent control or Section 8 housing evictions, cross-reference with Department of Housing Preservation records. Experts recommend court clerk visits for sealing records or expungement details under local law 55. Focus on multiple dwelling registration for owner lookups tied to historical evictions.
Combine with BIS building information or DOB NOW for context on pre-2017 violations. This ensures thorough rental history checks despite limitations. Use findings to assess bad tenant red flags in older court records across NYC boroughs.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
NYC's Good Cause Eviction and FHA restrict eviction history usage in tenant screening. Landlords must avoid actions that discriminate based on protected classes. Using eviction records carelessly can lead to legal challenges.
Ethical use means focusing on patterns like repeated nonpayment rather than isolated incidents. For example, a single holdover eviction in a rent stabilized apartment might not indicate risk. Always pair eviction data with other verification steps.
Disclosure requirements apply when sharing eviction history with prospective tenants. Provide clear explanations of findings from NYC Housing Court records. This builds trust and complies with tenant rights under NYC rent laws.
Experts recommend documenting your screening criteria to defend against claims. Review records for context, such as eviction moratorium periods during COVID. Proper handling protects both landlords and tenants in New York City.
Fair Housing Laws and Usage Restrictions
HUD guidance prohibits using eviction records as proxy for source-of-income discrimination, such as Section 8 housing. This applies to all NYC buildings and tenant screening processes. Violations can result in complaints to fair housing agencies.
Prohibited uses include several key practices. Landlords should avoid these to stay compliant.
- Familial status inference from eviction filings involving families.
- Disability proxy from habitability cases in housing court.
- Race correlation via neighborhood data or eviction maps in boroughs like Brooklyn or Queens.
- Auto-rejection policies based solely on any eviction history.
For practical advice, analyze eviction patterns at a specific property address without generalizing to tenant demographics. A Manhattan eviction for nonpayment differs from a Bronx habitability defense. Train staff on these restrictions for ethical landlord verification.
Costs Associated with Records Requests
Free options include eCourts dockets and HPD data for basic eviction history checks. Paid services offer certified copies at $15 or more detailed reports. Choose based on your needs for NYC eviction records.
Compare costs and features across common sources. Free public access suits quick lookups, while paid tools add credit insights for thorough rental history checks.
| Source | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| eCourts Public | Free | Current |
| Certified Copy | $15 | Official |
| SmartMove | $39.95 | +Credit |
Start with NY Courts website or eCourts NYC for no-cost case searches by docket number. Use TransUnion SmartMove for comprehensive background checks including tenant history. Budget accordingly for real estate investors screening multiple properties across boroughs.
When to Consult a Lawyer
Consult counsel for sealed record disputes, habitability counterclaims, or serial litigant analysis. These situations require expert review to interpret eviction filings correctly. Lawyers help navigate NYC tenant protection laws.
Watch for these five red flags in building eviction history. They often signal deeper issues needing professional advice.
- Multiple Right-to-Counsel cases indicating tenant defense patterns.
- Harassment patterns from repeated illegal eviction claims.
- Rent overcharge history in rent stabilized apartments.
- Illegal lockout claims against the landlord.
- Warranty of Habitability defenses in summary proceedings.
For example, a string of nonpayment evictions with habitability issues might point to building violations. Seek a tenant lawyer or eviction defense specialist for clarity. This step protects against risks in lease applications and security deposit decisions.
Tips for Accurate Research
Verify BBL accuracy and track warrant execution status to predict vacancy risk. These steps ensure reliable eviction history for NYC buildings. Focus on cross-checking public records from NYC Housing Court and city portals.
Use multiple sources like ACRIS, BIS, and HPD to confirm building identifiers. Track warrant of eviction progress via marshal directories. This approach spots patterns in eviction records for better tenant screening.
Combine landlord verification with court docket searches on eCourts NYC. Watch for serial evictions or high eviction rates in Manhattan evictions or Brooklyn evictions. Accurate research reduces risks in lease applications.
Experts recommend documenting every search for rental history checks. Note discrepancies in property address or ownership to avoid errors. This builds a solid foundation for property management decisions.
Verifying Building Identifiers (BBL)
Cross-verify BBL across ACRIS, BIS, and DOB NOW for reliable matches. The Borough Block and Lot number ties eviction records to the correct NYC building. Start with ACRIS.nyc.gov for tax details on the property address.
Next, check A836-acris.nyc.gov/DS for current ownership records. Confirm with Hpdonline.nyc.gov for multiple dwelling registration. This workflow prevents mix-ups in boroughs like Queens evictions or Bronx evictions.
Use Bisweb.nyc.gov for building information like BIN number and violations. For example, a Manhattan rent-stabilized apartment might show habitability issues linked to its BBL. Consistent verification supports accurate eviction database searches.
Discrepancies in block and lot can hide HPD eviction records or code violations. Always note the owner lookup NYC from Who Owns What resources. This step is key for real estate investors assessing eviction history reports.
Tracking Warrants of Eviction
Warrants execute 30-60 days post-judgment in NYC Housing Court. Use the marshal directory at nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/marshal-directory to follow warrant of eviction status. The NYC Sheriff portal tracks pending executions for summary proceedings.
Search by docket number or building address on WebCivil Supreme or eCourts NYC. For instance, a Brooklyn nonpayment eviction warrant shows execution timelines. This reveals tenant history and marshal eviction activity.
- Locate the case on NY Courts website landlord tenant court section.
- Check marshal assignment for holdover eviction or eviction judgment.
- Monitor Sheriff portal for execution date and vacancy confirmation.
Track across boroughs for patterns like Staten Island evictions or eviction maps NYC. Note impacts from tenant protection laws or Housing Stability Act. This informs risk assessment rental and security deposit decisions for prospective tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings?
To check eviction history for NYC buildings, start by visiting the NYC Civil Court's E-Courts portal at courts.ny.gov or the Automated City Register Information System (ACRIS) at a836-acris.nyc.gov. Search by property address or borough, block, and lot (BBL) number. Use the Housing Court records section to filter for eviction cases (index numbers starting with 3 or 5). Additional resources include the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) portal at hpdonline.nyc.gov for related violations. Keywords: How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings.
What Free Online Tools Can I Use to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings?
Free tools include the NYC E-Courts Public Access (iapps.courts.state.ny.us/webcivil) for Housing Court records and ACRIS for property-related filings. JustCourt.nyc offers a searchable database of eviction cases. Enter the building's address or BBL to view case details like filing dates, outcomes, and parties involved. Always verify with official sources. Keywords: How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings.
How Do I Find a Building's BBL Number to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings?
The Borough, Block, and Lot (BBL) number is key for precise searches. Find it via the NYC Department of Finance's Property Information Portal at nyc.gov/finance or ACRIS. Input the address, and it generates the 10-digit BBL (e.g., 1001230045 for Manhattan). Use this in E-Courts or HPD searches for eviction history. Keywords: How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings.
Are There Limits or Costs When Checking Eviction History for NYC Buildings Online?
Basic searches on E-Courts, ACRIS, and HPD portals are free with public access. However, detailed case documents may require a small fee (around $0.50-$1 per page) or in-person visits to the court clerk. No subscription needed for core eviction summaries. For bulk data, third-party services like JustCourt may charge. Keywords: How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings.
How Far Back Does Eviction History Go When Checking for NYC Buildings?
NYC Housing Court records typically go back to the 1990s via E-Courts, with some older paper records available in person. ACRIS covers deeds and liens from 1966. HPD violation history dates to 1984. For comprehensive checks, combine sources and note that sealed or expunged cases (post-2019 Right to Counsel law) may not appear. Keywords: How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings.
Can I Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings In Person if Online Isn't Enough?
Yes, visit the NYC Civil Court Housing Part clerk's office at 111 Centre Street, Manhattan, or borough-specific locations. Bring the address or BBL. They provide case files for review (fees for copies). HPD's archives at 345 Adams Street, Brooklyn, offer in-person violation lookups. Appointments recommended. Keywords: How to Check Eviction History for NYC Buildings.