What Are HPD Watchlists and Is My Building On One?
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Imagine discovering your apartment building flagged on a New York City HPD Watchlist, facing fines, repairs, or worse-eviction threats. These lists, managed by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), spotlight properties with chronic violations.
This article demystifies HPD Watchlists: their definition, history, how buildings land on them, implications for owners and tenants, verification tools like HPD's BIS system, and actionable steps for removal or prevention. Is your building listed?
What is HPD?
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The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) oversees 1 million+ housing units, issuing 250,000+ violations annually under NYC Administrative Code Title 27. HPD's mission focuses on preserving affordable housing and enforcing NYC housing code standards. It ensures safe, habitable conditions for tenants across the city.
HPD's organizational structure includes field offices in each borough, such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Inspectors respond to heat complaints, hot water issues, and other tenant reports. The agency coordinates with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) on overlapping violations.
Key programs include the Emergency Repair Program, which funds urgent fixes like boiler repairs or lead paint removal when owners fail to act. The Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) targets severe cases with intensive oversight, including the 7A program for worst buildings. In 2023, HPD recorded 68,000 Class C immediately hazardous violations, highlighting ongoing challenges with building safety.
Owners must address open violations by repair deadlines to avoid civil penalties through the Environmental Control Board (ECB). Tenants can check status via the HPD online portal or Building Information System (BIS). Compliance helps remove buildings from watchlist status and supports property registration updates.
Overview of Watchlists
HPD maintains 7 active watchlists categorizing 1,200+ buildings by violation severity, with 'Most Severe' buildings averaging 150+ open Class B/C violations per property. The Housing Preservation and Development agency uses these lists to track properties with serious heat complaints, hot water issues, and other habitability problems. Tenants and owners can access details through the HPD online portal.
The watchlists break down into categories like Most Severe (200+ buildings), Severe (400+), and Moderate (600+). Each targets specific risks, such as lead paint hazards or pest infestations. Check the building performance dashboard for updates on watchlist status.
Here are the 7 HPD watchlists:
- Most Severe: 200+ buildings with extreme emergency repairs and class C violations.
- Severe: 400+ buildings facing mold problems and building safety violations.
- Moderate: 600+ buildings with ongoing DOB violations and NYC Department of Buildings issues.
- Emergency Repair Program: Properties needing urgent fixes like boiler violations.
- Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP): High-risk buildings under intensive oversight.
- 7A Program: Vacant or distressed properties targeted for rehabilitation.
- Superfund Buildings: Chronic violators eligible for HPD superfund actions or auctions.
Owners on these lists face property owner responsibilities like repair deadlines and civil penalties. Tenants should report tenant complaints via the HPD portal to push for compliance.
What Are HPD Watchlists?
HPD watchlists publicly identify chronically non-compliant buildings to prioritize enforcement against landlords neglecting basic habitability standards. These dynamic enforcement tools from the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) update weekly. They cover Class A, B, and C buildings with 10,000+ cumulative violations across New York City.
Landlords on these lists face intensified HPD inspections and penalties for issues like lead paint hazards, mold problems, and pest infestations. Tenants gain awareness to protect their rights under the NYC housing code. Real estate buyers use watchlist status for due diligence.
Check the HPD online portal or Building Information System (BIS) with a building's BIN, Block and Lot (BBL), or address. Search Manhattan watchlists, Brooklyn watchlists, or others by borough. This reveals open violations, emergency repairs, and compliance status.
Watchlists tie into programs like the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) and 7A for severe cases. Buildings with heat complaints or hot water issues often appear. Property owners must address violations to avoid superfund status or auctions.
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Definition and Purpose
Watchlists designate buildings with 80+ open violations or emergency work orders unpaid >120 days, per HPD Notice of Designation criteria from NYC Rules Title 28. This targets properties ignoring Multiple Dwelling Law standards. HPD aims to enforce habitability through public disclosure.
The primary purpose is tenant protection by prioritizing inspections for dangers like boiler violations or fire safety risks. Public lists aid real estate due diligence for buyers and investors. They highlight landlord obligations under Local Law 1.
Owners face civil penalties via the Environmental Control Board (ECB) for certified violations. Repair deadlines enforce compliance and watchlist removal. Tenants report issues through HPD's complaint history in the open data portal.
Examples include buildings with class C violations for immediately hazardous conditions like structural defects. Check BIS for violation lookup, including dismissed or open status. This system promotes building safety across boroughs.
Types of Watchlists
HPD operates 7 tiered watchlists: Most Severe, Severe, Moderate, plus specialized Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) and 7A lists. Each tier escalates based on violation severity and building conditions. They address issues from elevator violations to rodent control failures.
Most Severe lists focus on dangerously defective buildings with extreme non-compliance. Severe and Moderate tiers cover broader habitability issues like egress problems. AEP and 7A target worst offenders for intensive oversight.
| Watchlist Type | Key Triggers | Enforcement Level |
|---|---|---|
| Most Severe | High violation counts, unpaid emergencies | Intensive repairs, fines |
| Severe | Class B/C violations, heat/hot water | Prioritized inspections |
| Moderate | Non-hazardous accumulation | Monitoring, penalties |
| AEP | Chronic neglect, SRO issues | Receivership possible |
| 7A | Vacant, severe defects | Auction risks |
Use the building performance dashboard or NYC open data for details. Property management companies track these to avoid ECB violations. Investors assess risks like in rem foreclosure or tax liens.
Key Criteria for Inclusion
Primary triggers: 80+ open violations, 2+ emergency repair orders >120 days unpaid, or enrollment in AEP/7A programs. These stem from NYC Admin Code 27-2008. They flag properties with persistent code violations.
- Cumulative violations: 80+ total open, including hazardous and non-hazardous.
- Class B/C violations: 20+ for health/safety hazards like mold or pests.
- Heat/hot water complaints: 10+ annually, signaling maintenance failures.
- Emergency work orders: Unpaid beyond 120 days for immediate dangers.
Additional factors include DOB violations crossover and tenant complaints. Buildings with illegal conversions or cellar apartments qualify quickly. Owners must update property registration and contact info in BIS.
To check if your building is on a watchlist, search by address or BBL in the HPD portal. Review for immediately hazardous violations or penalty payments. Compliance lifts status, protecting rent-stabilized tenants and values.
History and Evolution
HPD watchlists originated from 2008 Local Law 1 in response to the 2005 heat crisis affecting over 100,000 tenants. This law aimed to tackle widespread heat complaints and hot water issues in New York City buildings. It marked the start of formal monitoring by the Housing Preservation and Development agency.
By 2013, the program expanded with the Alternative Enforcement Program, targeting Class B and Class C buildings with severe violations. Post-2019 housing emergency declaration, criteria broadened to include mold problems, pest infestations, and lead paint hazards. This led to more buildings facing watchlist status and emergency repairs.
In 2023, the system grew to 7 lists covering over 1,200 buildings, integrating data from DOB violations and BIS systems. Property owners now face stricter property registration and owner contact information requirements. Tenants gained better tools to check HPD watchlist status via the online portal.
These changes reflect ongoing efforts to enforce the NYC housing code and Multiple Dwelling Law. Landlords must address immediately hazardous violations promptly to avoid AEP placement or superfund buildings. Buyers should perform due diligence on watchlist history during real estate disclosure.
When Were They Created?
First watchlist launched in 2008 via Local Law 1 after the 2005 winter heat crisis exposed over 1,100 buildings lacking heat for more than 100,000 tenants. HPD responded by creating a system to track buildings with chronic heat complaints and habitability issues. This set the foundation for ongoing HPD building watchlist monitoring.
The timeline progressed with the 2013 AEP expansion, which added oversight for dangerously defective buildings and vacant buildings. Then, the 2019 housing emergency declaration intensified focus on class C violations like structural defects and fire safety problems. These steps built a structured response to tenant complaints and code violations.
By 2023, the 7-list system emerged, incorporating Building Information System data for real-time tracking. Users can now perform address search HPD or BBL search to check open violations. This evolution helps tenants verify building conditions and landlord obligations.
NYC Council records highlight how these milestones improved enforcement against worst landlords. Property management companies must now prioritize compliance status and repair deadlines. Investors assess risks like 7A program involvement before purchase.
Major Updates Over Time
The 2019 Housing Code emergency declaration expanded criteria, adding the 'Most Severe' tier; the 2023 dashboard unified all 7 lists with real-time violation data. These updates targeted buildings with high volumes of emergency repair program needs and ECB violations. HPD inspectors gained tools to classify violations as immediately hazardous or hazardous.
Key milestones include:
- 2013 AEP addition: Brought in hundreds of buildings with class B violations, like boiler issues and elevator violations.
- 2017 online portal: Allowed public access to HPD complaint history and violation lookup for Manhattan watchlist or Brooklyn watchlist searches.
- 2019 expansion: Increased listings by focusing on severe health hazards, pest infestations, and illegal conversions.
- 2021 Superfund acceleration: Speeds up HPD superfund processes for chronically distressed properties, including auction properties.
- 2023 BIS integration: Links DOB violations and NYC open data for comprehensive building performance dashboard views.
These changes enforce property owner responsibilities more effectively, from rodent control to egress issues. Tenants benefit from clearer paths to report mold problems or SRO violations.
Landlords aim for watchlist removal by correcting certified violations and paying civil penalties. Real estate buyers check BIN number or borough block lot for investor risks and rent overcharge risks in rent stabilized units.
How Buildings Get on Watchlists
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Chronic failure to address Class B and Class C violations or emergency orders places buildings on escalating watchlist tiers within 30-90 days of threshold breach. The Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) tracks these issues through its Building Information System (BIS). Property owners face increased scrutiny as violations pile up from tenant complaints about heat, hot water, or mold problems.
HPD inspectors respond to reports of immediately hazardous violations, such as gas leaks or structural defects. If owners ignore repair deadlines, the building risks watchlist designation. This process aims to enforce the NYC housing code and Multiple Dwelling Law.
Once listed, buildings enter programs like the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) or 7A program for severe cases. Owners must update property registration and provide accurate owner contact information. Tenants gain stronger rights, including protections under Local Law 1 for habitability issues.
Checking HPD watchlists via the online portal or BIS system helps buyers and renters assess risks. Search by address, BIN number, or borough block lot (BBL) to view open violations and compliance status. Early awareness prevents investor risks and real estate disclosure issues.
Common Violations Triggering Listing
Top triggers include immediately hazardous Class C violations like plumbing or gas leaks, Class B structure and egress issues, and chronic Class A violations exceeding 50 open. HPD issued tens of thousands of these in recent years, with Class C posing the greatest dangers. Examples include lead paint hazards and pest infestations that threaten health.
Class C violations demand quick fixes, such as repairing faulty boilers or elevators. Failure leads to emergency repairs by HPD and civil penalties. Tenants report these via the HPD complaint history in the open data portal.
Class B violations cover fire safety and egress problems, like blocked stairways. Chronic Class A violations, such as hot water issues or rodent control failures, accumulate from ignored maintenance. Buildings with high numbers enter the HPD most complaints list.
Owners of Class B buildings or vacant buildings face higher risks. Check the building performance dashboard for violation data and worst landlords list. Addressing these early avoids AEP or superfund building status.
The Designation Process
HPD analysts review BIS violation data weekly. Buildings exceeding 80 violations or with 2+ unpaid emergency orders receive a 30-day Notice of Designation. This step flags properties with patterns of neglect, like repeated heat complaints or mold problems.
- Data scan: Weekly review of BIS and ECB violations for thresholds.
- Threshold breach: High open violations or emergency repair orders trigger alerts.
- Inspector verification: HPD inspector visits to confirm conditions, such as structural defects or illegal conversions.
- Notice issued: Owners get formal warning with repair deadlines.
- 30-day response period: Time to dismiss violations or pay penalties.
- Final designation: Non-compliance leads to watchlist placement.
- Watchlist published: Listed on HPD portal by borough, like Manhattan or Brooklyn watchlist.
After designation, buildings may enter the emergency repair program. Owners must certify fixes and update property management details. Tenants can track status via violation lookup for rent-stabilized units.
Implications of Being on a Watchlist
Watchlist designation triggers daily HPD inspections, restricts mortgage financing, and mandates ECB penalty payments averaging $250K per building. This status affects owners, tenants, and investors across New York City. Cascading effects include increased enforcement from Housing Preservation and Development and financial strain from violations like heat complaints or mold problems.
Stakeholders face ongoing HPD watchlist scrutiny, with buildings classified under Class B or Class C for hazardous violations. Owners deal with emergency repair program costs, while tenants benefit from protections. Investors must check HPD online portal for watchlist status before purchase.
Enforcement escalates to Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) or 7A administrator if non-compliance persists. Financial metrics highlight repair liens and lost rents from vacancies. Real estate disclosure becomes critical for buyer due diligence.
Daily inspections target issues like pest infestations or boiler violations. ECB violations add civil penalties with strict repair deadlines. Watchlist removal requires addressing all open violations via BIS system.
For Building Owners
Owners face 3x inspection frequency, mortgage denial (Fannie Mae flags watchlist buildings), and AEP receivership risk after 120 days non-compliance. Daily HPD inspections check for immediately hazardous violations such as lead paint hazards or structural defects. Property owner responsibilities intensify under NYC housing code.
Financing restrictions block loans for buildings on watchlist, complicating sales or refinancing. ECB violations carry fines from $500 to $10K each for issues like fire safety or egress problems. Owners must update owner contact information in property registration.
- Daily inspections by HPD inspector for building safety violations and DOB violations.
- AEP takeover for emergency repairs and habitability issues.
- 7A administrator appointment leading to loss of control.
- Superfund foreclosure for persistent severe violations.
For example, a Brooklyn watchlist building with rodent control failures may enter HPD superfund. Owners should use violation lookup to track compliance status and seek building off watchlist steps promptly.
For Tenants
Tenants gain priority HPD response (48hr emergency), rent reduction rights under warranty of habitability, and protection from retaliatory eviction. HP Action provides rent abatement for unresolved complaints like hot water issues or illegal conversions. Tenant rights strengthen in rent stabilized units.
Under 7A tenant association rights, residents organize for better housing maintenance. Free legal services via NYC Bar Association help with code violations or landlord obligations. Tenants report via HPD complaint history for mold problems or elevator violations.
- 48-hour emergency response for heat complaints or pest infestations.
- Rent abatement through court-ordered reductions.
- Protection against eviction for filing complaints.
- Access to legal aid for SRO violations or cellar apartments.
In a Bronx watchlist building, tenants facing class C violations like fire safety issues can demand extermination services. Check open data portal for building performance dashboard to monitor worst landlords list status.
Financial and Legal Consequences
Average watchlist building accrues $250K in ECB penalties + $85K emergency repair liens; 15% enter HPD superfund foreclosure annually. ECB fines average $150K for multiple dwelling law breaches like Local Law 1 compliance. Legal fees around $50K arise from violation dismissals or certified violations.
Emergency liens cover HPD-funded fixes for dangerously defective buildings or vacant buildings. Lost rents from 20% vacancy hit due to tenant exodus over health hazards. Civil penalties demand timely penalty payments to avoid escalation.
| Cost Type | Description | Typical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| ECB Violations | Fines for open violations | Penalty payments |
| Emergency Liens | Repair program charges | Tax lien buildup |
| Legal Fees | Compliance hearings | Court representation |
| Lost Rents | Vacancy from complaints | Revenue drop |
Queens watchlist properties risk in rem foreclosure or 7/8 auction. Owners use BIN number or BBL search in building database search to assess investor risks. Property management companies face heightened building classification scrutiny.
How to Check If Your Building Is on a Watchlist
Use HPD's Building Watchlist dashboard, BIS violation search, and DOB NOW for comprehensive status across NYC properties. These official tools from Housing Preservation and Development, Building Information System, and Department of Buildings help tenants, buyers, and owners verify watchlist status. They reveal open violations like heat complaints, mold problems, or pest infestations.
Start with the HPD dashboard for Alternative Enforcement Program or 7A program buildings. Then cross-check BIS for DOB violations and HPD violations by BIN or address. DOB NOW integrates recent inspections for building safety violations.
For example, search a Brooklyn multifamily building by BIN to spot immediately hazardous violations. Export results to track emergency repairs or compliance deadlines. This due diligence aids real estate disclosure and investor risks.
Combine tools for full picture on Class C violations in vacant buildings or superfund properties. Regular checks ensure awareness of tenant rights and landlord obligations under NYC housing code.
Official HPD Website Tools
HPD's Building Watchlist page lists all properties on watchlists. It covers HPD watchlists for dangerously defective buildings and those in emergency repair programs. Access covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island watchlists.
- Visit the watchlist portal at the HPD online portal.
- Select borough and watchlist type like AEP or 7A program.
- Download the CSV file with records for cross-reference.
- Match your building's address, BIN, or BBL to confirm status.
Imagine checking a Queens apartment building for class B violations. The CSV shows open violations, correction dates, and owner contact information. This helps track building off watchlist progress.
HPD inspectors use these lists for building inspections. Owners face civil penalties for non-compliance. Tenants can file complaints for habitability issues like hot water issues or lead paint hazards.
BIS and DOB Resources
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BIS shows all open violations by BIN. It details Class A buildings, Class B buildings, and Class C buildings with breakdowns of immediately hazardous, hazardous, and non-hazardous violations. Check correction dates for boiler violations or fire safety issues.
- Enter BIN, BBL, or address in the BIS system.
- Filter for HPD violations and DOB violations.
- Review open, dismissed, or certified violations status.
- Export violation history for ECB violations and penalty payments.
DOB NOW integrates with BIS for property registration and recent data. For a Bronx rental property, spot egress issues or structural defects. This reveals building classification and Multiple Dwelling Law compliance.
Landlords monitor for watchlist removal. Buyers assess risks from rodent control failures. Property management companies use these for housing maintenance and tenant complaints resolution.
Third-Party Databases
NYC Open Data portal aggregates HPD and DOB violations. It includes complaint records on heat complaints, illegal conversions, and SRO violations. Search by address for HPD complaint history.
- NYC Open Data for complaints and violation data.
- Who Owns What for property ownership and owner responsibilities.
- PropertyShark for detailed violation reports and building ratings.
- NYC Housing Connect for subsidy status and rent stabilized info.
For instance, query a Manhattan co-op on the HPD most complaints list. Results highlight worst landlords and notorious landlords patterns. Cross-reference with BIS for elevator violations or extermination services needs.
These aggregators aid buyer due diligence and rent overcharge risks checks. Investors spot auction properties or in rem foreclosure risks. Tenants verify building conditions before signing leases.
Steps to Verify Your Specific Building
Complete verification requires address BBL/BIN lookup across HPD BIS, watchlist CSV, and DOB systems within 10 minutes. This unified workflow combines address searches with Block and Lot (BBL) or Building Identification Number (BIN) checks. It covers HPD watchlists, building violations, and DOB records for a full picture of building status.
Start with your building's house number and street name in the HPD Building Information System (BIS). Cross-reference results in the HPD watchlist CSV from NYC open data portals. Then, check DOB for violations like emergency repairs or heat complaints.
Owners must address Class B and Class C violations promptly to avoid watchlist placement. Tenants can use these steps to verify habitability issues such as mold problems or pest infestations. This process reveals property owner responsibilities and compliance status.
Results show if your building faces AEP or 7A program risks, or superfund status. Investors note real estate disclosure needs for buyer due diligence. Landlords confirm tenant rights under NYC housing code and Multiple Dwelling Law.
Search by Address
Enter house number + street name in HPD BIS to auto-generate BIN/BBL. Format as 123 Main St, Brooklyn for accurate results. This starts your check for HPD watchlists and building violations.
- Format address as house number + street name, borough, like 456 Elm St, Queens.
- Use BIS primary search in the HPD online portal for initial violation lookup.
- Cross-check the watchlist CSV download from NYC open data for building classification.
- Review DOB violations for issues like boiler violations or fire safety concerns.
- Verify owner contact information in property registration to confirm landlord obligations.
This 5-step process uncovers open violations, emergency orders, and lead paint hazards. It flags risks like Class C immediately hazardous violations. Building management uses it for housing maintenance compliance.
For rent-stabilized units, note hot water issues or elevator violations. Property management companies track dismissed violations and certified status. This ensures transparency on building conditions and HPD complaint history.
Search by Block and Lot (BBL)
BBL format 1-00123-0456 searches BIS directly: Borough(1=Manhattan) + Block(00123) + Lot(0456). Decode BBLs via ACRIS or PropertyShark for precise HPD and DOB checks. Example: 1007110011 = 111 Main St in Manhattan.
- Find BBL via ACRIS/PropertyShark using address or BIN number.
- Enter full BBL in HPD BIS BBL search for violation data and watchlist status.
- Filter watchlist CSV by BBL to check Most Severe designations across boroughs.
- Run DCP zoning check for illegal conversions or cellar apartments.
BBL searches reveal DOB violations like structural defects or egress issues. They highlight pest infestations and rodent control needs. Use for Bronx watchlist or Staten Island watchlist verification.
Landlords assess ECB violations and penalty payments here. Investors spot auction properties or in rem foreclosure risks. This method confirms building off watchlist potential through repair deadlines.
Interpreting Search Results
Red flags: 20+ open Class B/C violations, emergency orders >90 days, or 'Most Severe' watchlist designation. Use results to gauge risk level and action required. Statuses like CERTIFIED, OPEN, or DISMISSED guide next steps.
| Status | Violation Count | Risk Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| CERTIFIED | Corrected with date | Low | Monitor compliance |
| OPEN | Active Class A/B/C | Medium/High | Schedule repairs |
| DISMISSED | Resolved | Low | Verify dismissal |
CERTIFIED means violations fixed by correction date, often after HPD inspector approval. OPEN signals ongoing issues like SRO violations or health hazards. DISMISSED violations require ECB confirmation for penalty payments.
High-risk buildings enter Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP) or 7A program. Track building performance dashboard for worst landlords list. Tenants report via HPD for heat complaints or mold problems resolution.
What to Do If Your Building Is Listed
Owners face urgent remediation to address HPD watchlist status, while tenants prioritize protection through rent relief and enforcement. Owners must correct 80% violations within 120 days. Tenants contact HP Action for immediate rent abatement and HPD enforcement.
Distinguish these paths clearly. Property owners handle emergency repairs, Class C violations, and fines to avoid escalation to Alternative Enforcement Program or superfund status. Tenants focus on documenting heat complaints, hot water issues, or mold problems for quick relief.
Check your building classification as Class A, B, or C via HPD online portal or BIS system. Vacant buildings or dangerously defective ones trigger faster action. Both sides benefit from tracking open violations and compliance status.
Act promptly to resolve habitability issues. Owners risk ECB penalties and liens. Tenants gain leverage through NYC housing code protections under Multiple Dwelling Law.
Immediate Actions for Owners
Priority 1: Pay emergency repair liens and correct Class C violations within 24 days per ECB rules. These immediately hazardous violations demand swift fixes for issues like lead paint hazards or structural defects.
Follow this 7-step remediation plan to lift watchlist status.
- Hire an HPD-registered contractor for boiler violations, pest infestations, or fire safety repairs.
- File correction affidavits for dismissed violations, including certified ones from HPD inspector visits.
- Pay ECB fines and civil penalties tied to DOB violations or NYC Department of Buildings orders.
- Request a new inspection to verify compliance on hazardous and non-hazardous violations.
- Apply for watchlist removal once open violations drop significantly.
- Monitor compliance status via HPD portal, property registration, and owner contact information updates.
- Seek legal consultation for complex cases like 7A program involvement or tax liens.
Address common building safety violations such as elevator issues or egress problems early. Property owner responsibilities include maintaining heat, hot water, and rodent control through extermination services.
Tenant Rights and Resources
File HP Action within 24hrs for emergency rent reduction averaging 20-50% abatement. This tool targets severe class C violations like no heat or pest infestations in rent stabilized units.
Tenants hold strong rights under NYC housing code. Document complaints via 311 for 48hr response on hot water issues or mold problems. Legal Aid Society offers free help for overcharge risks or illegal conversions.
- Call 311 emergency for immediate hazards like lead paint or fire safety risks.
- Submit HP Action filing online to trigger HPD enforcement and rent abatement.
- Check Rent Guidelines Board for overcharge verification on SRO violations or cellar apartments.
- Contact Legal Aid Society for eviction defense or habitability lawsuits.
- Form a tenant association to amplify complaints on worst landlords list buildings.
Use HPD complaint history and open data portal for evidence. Track building performance dashboard for violation data across Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Bronx watchlists.
Paths to Removal
60% of watchlist buildings achieve removal within 18 months by reducing violations under 20 open Class A/B/C combined. Owners pursue structured paths to exit HPD building watchlist.
Three main removal paths exist. First, reach full compliance with fewer than 20 violations for 90 days straight. Second, complete Alternative Enforcement Program over two years, covering superfund buildings or AEP entrants.
- Full compliance path: Fix all immediately hazardous, hazardous, and non-hazardous violations, then maintain status.
- AEP completion: Undergo HPD oversight for two years, paying for emergency repair program work.
- Building sale: Transfer to a compliant owner with clean property registration and no ECB violations.
Success hinges on proactive steps like BIN number searches or BBL lookups. Real estate disclosure during sales flags watchlist status for buyer due diligence. Investors avoid risks by checking HPD most complaints list before purchase.
Prevention and Best Practices
Proactive property owners can avoid HPD watchlists by focusing on systematic maintenance and quick responses to issues. Regular upkeep addresses common problems like heat complaints, hot water issues, and pest infestations before they lead to violations. Owners who stay ahead maintain safer Class A buildings, Class B buildings, and Class C buildings.
Proactive owners averaging 5 inspections per year maintain fewer than 10 open violations, compared to dozens for watchlisted properties. This approach covers boiler violations, elevator violations, and egress issues. Consistent efforts reduce risks of Alternative Enforcement Program involvement or emergency repairs.
Implement a schedule for HPD inspector visits and tenant feedback reviews. Track open violations via the BIS system to ensure timely fixes. These steps support watchlist removal and protect against tenant rights disputes or NYC rent stabilized challenges.
Building managers should prioritize property registration and updated owner contact information. This prevents escalation to HPD superfund status or auctions. Focus on habitability issues like mold problems and lead paint hazards for long-term compliance.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Quarterly boiler inspections prevent many Class C violations, while monthly pest control eliminates most infestation complaints. These tasks keep New York City HPD inspectors satisfied and reduce immediately hazardous violations. Owners of vacant buildings or occupied ones benefit equally.
Follow this list of 12 monthly and quarterly tasks to stay compliant with the NYC housing code and Multiple Dwelling Law:
- Boiler certification every quarter to avoid no heat emergencies.
- Extermination contracts renewed monthly for rodent control.
- Elevator DOU inspections quarterly to fix elevator violations.
- Fire extinguisher tags checked monthly for fire safety.
- Lead paint surveys updated annually, with spot checks quarterly.
- Egress inspections every quarter to clear egress issues.
- Smoke detector tests monthly across all units.
- Hot water system checks quarterly to prevent complaints.
- Structural reviews semi-annually for structural defects.
- Mold assessments monthly in high-risk areas.
- Window guard installations verified quarterly.
- Facade inspections per Local Law 1 schedule.
Document all work with photos and receipts for violation lookup. This prepares you for HPD online portal checks and ECB violations hearings. Consistent habits minimize civil penalties and repair deadlines.
Compliance Monitoring
Set BIS alerts for new violations and schedule bi-weekly 311 complaint reviews to keep violation recurrence low. This workflow tracks DOB violations and HPD complaint history in real time. Property managers catch code violations early across boroughs like Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Use these five key steps for effective monitoring:
- Weekly BIS dashboard scans for Building Information System updates.
- 311 complaint tracker checked bi-weekly for heat complaints or pests.
- DOB permit status reviewed monthly to align with NYC Department of Buildings.
- Property manager KPI dashboard for building performance metrics.
- Annual HPD audit prep with full violation status review.
Integrate tools like the NYC open data portal for violation data. Cross-check address search HPD or BBL search for accuracy. This catches health hazards like illegal conversions before they worsen.
Train staff on property owner responsibilities and building classification. Regular reviews ensure compliance status stays strong, aiding building off watchlist efforts. Address SRO violations or cellar apartments promptly to avoid worst landlords lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are HPD Watchlists and Is My Building On One?
HPD Watchlists, managed by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), are public lists of buildings flagged for severe housing violations, such as chronic heat/hot water issues, lead-based paint hazards, or widespread code violations. To check if your building is on one, visit the HPD Online portal at hpdonline.nyc.gov, enter your address or building ID (BIN/Block & Lot), and review the complaints, violations, or watchlist status sections. Buildings on watchlists often require emergency repairs and owner intervention plans.
What exactly are HPD Watchlists?
HPD Watchlists identify multifamily residential buildings in NYC with the most serious, unresolved violations that impact tenant health and safety. Categories include Buildings in Worst Condition, Heat and Hot Water Watchlist, Lead-Based Paint Watchlist, and Habitability Watchlist. These lists trigger increased HPD oversight, potential emergency repairs, and fines for owners. Search for "What Are HPD Watchlists and Is My Building On One?" on the official HPD site for the latest data.
How can I find out if my building is on an HPD Watchlist?
To determine "What Are HPD Watchlists and Is My Building On One? use HPD's free online tools: Go to the Buildings Information System (BIS) or Open Data portal at HPD Online. Input your building's address, House Number, Street Name, Borough, or BIN. Look under "Violations" or "Watchlists" for active status. You can also call 311 for assistance or check weekly updated CSV files on NYC Open Data.
Why does HPD create Watchlists for buildings?
HPD Watchlists target "What Are HPD Watchlists and Is My Building On One?" by prioritizing properties with patterns of neglect, like over 200 open severe violations or multiple lead hazards. The goal is to enforce repairs, protect tenants, and improve living conditions. If your building qualifies, owners must submit corrective action plans. Regularly check status since listings change with violation resolutions.
What happens if my building is on an HPD Watchlist?
If "What Are HPD Watchlists and Is My Building On One?" reveals your building is listed, expect HPD actions like emergency work orders (paid by the city and billed to the owner), increased inspections, and possible vacate orders for unsafe units. Tenants may qualify for relocation assistance or emergency grants. Owners face escalating fines. Monitor via HPD portals to track progress and resolution.
Are HPD Watchlists updated regularly, and how do I stay informed?
Yes, HPD Watchlists for "What Are HPD Watchlists and Is My Building On One?" are updated weekly or as violations are addressed-check the most current lists on NYC Open Data or HPDonline. Sign up for email alerts via the HPD Complaint History Report or follow @NYCHPD on social media. For your building, set a bookmark or use BIS saved searches to monitor changes in real-time.