What Is a Class A, B, or C Violation in NYC?

January 10, 2026

Got a notice from NYC's Department of Buildings? Don't panic-yet. Those Class A, B, or C violations can hit your wallet hard or halt your project cold, but understanding them is your first defense.

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.

We'll break down what each class means, spot common examples like illegal conversions or structural hazards, highlight key differences, and reveal penalties straight from DOB guidelines. Curious which one could sink your reno? Keep reading.

What Are NYC Building Violations?

NYC building violations are infractions issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for non-compliance with city codes, classified into Class A ($250 fine), Class B ($500+ fine), and Class C ($1,000+ fine) based on severity.

These violations stem from the NYC Administrative Code 27-2005 and Multiple Dwellings Law. DOB handles structural and building code issues like illegal conversions or zoning violations. HPD focuses on housing maintenance problems such as mold or pest infestations.

Property owners can check violations using the BIS system for DOB records, HPD Online for housing issues, or NYC311 for quick lookups. In 2023, DOB issued over 45,000 violations while HPD issued more than 120,000. There are 79 total categories covering issues from fire code to elevator violations.

Under the NYC Housing Maintenance Code, property owners bear full responsibility to correct violations promptly. Failure to fix them leads to escalating penalties through the Environmental Control Board (ECB) or OATH hearings. Tenants have rights to report issues via 311, triggering inspections.

Key Differences Between DOB and HPD Violations

DOB violations target building code compliance, such as structural defects or certificate of occupancy issues. Examples include facade violations or illegal basement apartments. These often require engineering reports for certification of correction.

HPD violations address habitability standards in multifamily dwellings, like heat or hot water complaints. Common cases involve pest infestations or lead paint hazards. HPD prioritizes emergency repairs in rent-stabilized buildings.

Both agencies classify violations by severity: Class C for immediate hazards, Class B for moderately hazardous conditions, and Class A for less serious matters. Owners must file a C of C after fixes to close violations. Repeat or willful violations increase fines significantly.

Lookup tools help distinguish sources: use BIS for DOB's construction violations, HPD Online for tenant complaints. NYC311 connects to both for status checks on open or closed violations.

How Violations Are Classified by Severity

Class A violations carry a $250 fine for non-hazardous issues, like missing exit signage or minor plumbing problems. They allow 14 days for correction without ECB hearings if certified properly. Owners often dismiss these after simple fixes.

Class B violations involve $500+ fines for moderately hazardous conditions, such as boiler failures or overcrowding. These demand faster action, typically within days, with potential vacate orders. Examples include smoke detector or sprinkler system defects.

Class C violations are critical with $1,000+ penalties for immediate hazards like electrical violations or fire code breaches. They trigger emergency repairs and possible building evacuation. Structural collapses or demolition violations fall here.

Severity drives violation priority: Class C first, then B and A. Property owners must attend OATH hearings for disputes, where abatement or appeals can reduce penalties. Checking status via BIS or HPD Online prevents surprise fines.

Class A Violations: Overview

Class A violations represent NYC's least severe building infractions, carrying a standard $250 civil penalty and focusing on non-hazardous maintenance issues. Per NYC Housing Maintenance Code 27-2004, these are non-hazardous conditions that violate code standards without immediate safety risks to occupants. Property owners receive a violation order from HPD or DOB inspectors during routine checks or tenant complaints via NYC311.

These violations prioritize cosmetic and maintenance fixes in multifamily dwellings, rent-stabilized buildings, or single-family homes. Unlike Class B or Class C violations, Class A issues do not trigger vacate orders or emergency repairs. Owners must correct them within a set period to avoid escalating penalties through the ECB process.

HPD issues most Class A violations for housing code matters like peeling paint or defective plaster, while DOB handles building code violations such as sidewalk defects. Checking violation status on HPD online or BIS helps owners track open violations. Dismissal occurs after proper correction and filing.

Understanding Class A helps distinguish them from immediately hazardous Class C or moderately hazardous Class B violations. Tenants report issues via 311 service requests, but property owner responsibility remains key for compliance. Experts recommend prompt action to prevent repeat violations or willful violation charges.

Definition and Characteristics

Class A violations are defined in NYC Administrative Code 27-2115 as 'non-hazardous' conditions that violate maintenance standards but pose no immediate danger to occupants. They carry a fixed $250 fine for the first offense and a 21-day correction period. No criminal penalties apply, unlike higher severity levels.

Reference HPD Policy 2006-01 for guidelines on issuance and classification. Owners can achieve dismissal of violation by filing a Certification of Correction (C of C) after fixes. Documentation for C of C includes photos of repairs, contractor affidavits, and proof of work completion.

If disputed, request an ECB hearing for the violation order. Appeal decisions through OATH within 30 days of the hearing date. This process applies to HPD and DOB-issued Class A violations checked via violation lookup tools.

Class A contrasts with Class B fine or Class C fine by lacking immediate hazard status. Property owners in NYC face these for less serious issues like mold violations without health risks or minor plumbing violations. Tenant rights include reporting, but correction notice compliance rests with landlords.

Common Examples

Typical Class A violations include peeling lead paint in pre-1960 buildings, defective plaster ceilings, and broken sidewalk flags. These stem from HPD inspections or DOB certificate inspections in multifamily dwellings. Owners correct them to close violations and avoid abatement.

The table below lists 10 common examples with HPD violation codes and real BIS examples. Each targets non-hazardous issues like facade violations or window glass defects.

Violation Description	HMC/NYCBC Code	BIS Example
Peeling paint, especially lead-based in older buildings	HMC 27-2017	Violation #900123456
Defective plaster or missing ceiling/wall sections	HMC 27-2018	Violation #901234567
Broken or missing window glass panes	HMC 27-381	Violation #902345678
Defective sidewalk flags or slabs	NYCBC 101.4	Violation #903456789
Minor cracks in interior walls	HMC 27-2005	Violation #904567890
Ill-fitting or missing closet doors	HMC 27-2021	Violation #905678901
Graffiti or unclean common areas	HMC 27-2017	Violation #906789012
Loose or defective handrails (non-structural)	HMC 27-375	Violation #907890123
Missing or faded exit signage	NYCBC 102.4	Violation #908901234
Minor pest infestation without health risk	HMC 27-2018	Violation #909012345

Visual examples include photos of chipped paint flakes on baseboards or cracked sidewalk sections. Address these promptly via licensed contractors to file C of C. This prevents escalation to higher severity like electrical violations or heat violations.

Class B Violations: Overview

Class B violations address moderately hazardous conditions requiring faster correction, with fines starting at $500 and potential daily penalties. Per HMC 27-2004, these are deemed hazardous violations that affect occupant health and safety in New York City buildings, but they do not pose immediate life-threatening risks like Class A violations. Landlords must act quickly to avoid escalating penalties from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) or Department of Buildings (DOB).

These violations fall between critical Class A and less serious Class C in the violation classification system. They often stem from building code violations or housing maintenance code issues in multifamily dwellings. Property owners receive a correction notice with a tight timeline to resolve the problem.

Failure to comply can lead to civil penalties, repeat violation fines, or even vacate orders in severe cases. Tenants can report these via NYC311, triggering HPD inspections. Checking violation status on HPD online or BIS helps track open violations.

Understanding Class B helps landlords prioritize repairs and tenants assert their rights under the NYC administrative code. Proper certification of correction (C of C) is key to dismissal of violation at OATH hearings.

Definition and Characteristics

Class B violations under HMC 27-2115(b) target conditions hazardous to life, health, or safety requiring correction within 14 days. This is shorter than the 21 days for Class A violations, emphasizing urgency without immediate hazard status. The DOB and HPD classify these to ensure building safety in NYC.

Penalty structure starts at $500-$1,500 for a first offense, rising to $1,000-$3,000 for repeat offenses. Willful violations double the fine amount, and daily penalties accrue if ignored. Emergency Class B designations demand even faster action, sometimes treated like immediately hazardous Class A.

Landlords must file a certificate of correction after fixes, subject to reinspection. ECB and OATH handle appeals and hearings for violation orders. Property owner responsibility includes abatement to close the violation status.

These differ from non-hazardous Class C violations by their severity level. Tenants facing these can request emergency repairs or check via 311 service request. Experts recommend prompt compliance to avoid Class B fine escalation.

Common Examples

Class B examples include failure to provide heat (below 68 degreesF), hot water under 120 degreesF, and moderate mold growth exceeding 30 sq ft. These housing violations commonly arise in rent-stabilized buildings during winter months. Heat complaints often peak from January to March due to seasonal demands.

Other frequent issues involve pest infestations and lead paint hazards. Landlords must address these per specific codes to protect occupant health.

HMC 27-2014: Inadequate heat in multifamily dwellings.
HMC 27-2016: Insufficient hot water supply.
Local Law 55/2018: Moderate mold growth.
HMC 27-2017: Pest infestation like rats or roaches.
HMC 27-2018b: Lead paint Class B hazards.
HMC-related: Boiler violations affecting heat.
Plumbing violations: Leaking pipes causing dampness.
Elevator violations: Malfunctioning units in buildings over six stories.

Tenants should document issues and file via HPD online or NYC311. Landlords can look up violations in BIS to prioritize fixes and avoid willful violation penalties.

Class C Violations: Overview

Class C violations are NYC's most serious building and housing violations, classified as 'immediately hazardous' per HMC 27-2004. These critical conditions demand instant correction to protect life and safety in New York City properties. Failure to act quickly can lead to severe outcomes.

Owners face $1,000+ fines from the Environmental Control Board (ECB) or Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Vacate orders may force building evacuation until fixed. Criminal penalties are possible for willful neglect under NYC administrative code.

The Department of Buildings (DOB) or Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) issues these emergency violations. Property owners must prioritize correction over Class A or Class B violations due to the high severity level. Check violation status via BIS or HPD online for open violations.

Immediate hazards trigger violation priority actions like emergency repairs. HPD may advance costs through its program, placing liens on the property. Tenants have rights to safe housing, so report via NYC311 for heat violations or other issues.

Definition and Characteristics

Class C violations (HMC 27-2115(c)) denote conditions 'immediately hazardous to life and safety' requiring instant correction. These top the violation classification as the highest severity level in NYC building code and housing maintenance code. DOB and HPD enforce them strictly in multifamily dwellings and rent-stabilized buildings.

Fines range from $1,000 to $3,000 per violation, with potential daily $1,000 penalties for delays. Vacate orders halt occupancy until resolved, and criminal misdemeanor charges apply for repeat or willful violations. Owners receive correction notices with 24-72 hour windows to comply.

NYC DOB TPBN #5/12 highlights facade violations as common Class C issues, like loose bricks posing fall risks. HPD's emergency repair program covers urgent fixes such as boiler violations or lead paint hazards, then liens the property for repayment. File certification of correction (C of C) promptly to avoid escalation.

Appeal via OATH hearing if contesting, but prioritize abatement. Property owner responsibility includes monitoring BIS for violation lookup and status updates. Dismissal of violation requires proof of full correction and local law compliance.

Common Examples

Class C violations include illegal basement apartments, occupancy exceeding legal limits, and structural failures. These critical violations endanger tenants in NYC properties, from fire code violations to plumbing issues. Landlords must address them before less serious Class A or Class B fines.

Recognize signs like no certificate of occupancy or missing smoke detectors. Report pest infestation or mold violations via 311 service request if urgent. Use DOB's Building Information System (BIS) for violation lookup and photos of issues.

Example	Code Reference	Description
Illegal cellar occupancy	MDL C26-604.7	Unauthorized living spaces in basements without proper egress or ventilation, risking lives in fires.
No smoke detectors	Fire Code F308.1	Missing or non-functional detectors in multifamily dwellings, immediate fire hazard.
No Certificate of Occupancy	NYCBC 110.3	Operating without C of O, allowing unsafe use beyond approved limits.
Overcrowding	HMC 27-2071	Exceeding occupant limits, straining exits and systems.
Structural failure	NYCBC 1604	Cracked walls or unstable supports threatening collapse.
Facade hazards	DOB TPBN #5/12	Loose masonry or deteriorating exteriors requiring sidewalk sheds.
No sprinklers or exits	Fire Code/Elevator	Missing systems or blocked paths in high-rises.

Each demands swift action, like emergency elevator violation fixes. Tenants, verify closed violation status before withholding rent. Owners, schedule inspections to prevent repeat violations.

Key Differences Between Classes

The three violation classes differ by hazard level, correction timelines, and penalties: Class A (21 days/$250), Class B (14 days/$500+), Class C (immediate/$1,000+). These distinctions help NYC property owners prioritize repairs in multifamily dwellings. Understanding them prevents escalation to vacate orders or higher fines from HPD or DOB.

Class A violations cover less serious issues like minor plumbing violations or pest infestations. Owners get 21 days to correct them, facing a base $250 fine if unresolved. This class allows time for affordable fixes, such as treating mold violations before they worsen.

Class B violations involve moderately hazardous conditions, like heat violations or elevator issues, with a 14-day correction period. Fines start at $500 and rise for repeat offenses. Property owners must act quickly to avoid ECB penalties at OATH hearings.

Class C violations demand immediate correction for critical dangers, such as structural violations or lead paint hazards, with fines over $1,000. HPD prioritizes these highest, often leading to emergency repairs or vacate orders. Check HPDonline for violation status to stay compliant.

Severity	Hazard Level	Fine Range	Correction Period	ECB Priority	Vacate Risk
Class A	Less serious, non-hazardous	$250 base	21 days	Low (C lowest)	Low
Class B	Moderately hazardous	$500+	14 days	Medium (B middle)	Medium
Class C	Immediately hazardous	$1,000+	Immediate	High (C highest)	High

Reference the HPDonline classification matrix for precise violation lookup via NYC311 or BIS. This table outlines violation priority coding, with Class C flagged first for abatement.

Violation Classification Flowchart

NYC violations follow a clear path: Violation Inspection Classification Penalty timeline. HPD or DOB inspectors assess issues like boiler violations or zoning violations during routine checks or 311 service requests. Classification determines the class based on the NYC housing maintenance code.

After inspection, owners receive a correction notice or violation order. For example, a fire code violation like missing smoke detectors gets classified as Class B. File a certification of correction (C of C) promptly to close it.

If ignored, penalties accrue via Environmental Control Board (ECB) at OATH. Willful violations or repeats trigger higher fines and possible emergency repairs. Appeal at a hearing date to contest dismissal.

Practical tip: Use violation status tools on HPDonline to track open violations. Tenant rights protect against landlord violations in rent-stabilized buildings, prompting quick classification reviews.

Consequences and Penalties

Beyond initial fines, NYC violations trigger ECB hearings, daily penalties up to $10,000, liens, and criminal charges for willful non-compliance. Property owners face escalating penalties for Class A violations, Class B violations, and Class C violations issued by DOB or HPD. Ignoring a correction notice can lead to added costs and legal troubles.

Penalties start with paying the initial fine within 60 days of the violation notice. For example, a Class C fine of $1000 must be settled promptly to avoid escalation. Failure to pay prompts further action from the Environmental Control Board, now under OATH.

Repeat violations double the fine amount, while willful non-compliance shifts cases to criminal court. Liens on the property ensure payment, and daily accruals apply for open violations like immediate hazards. Owners should check violation status via BIS or HPD online to track deadlines.

In 2023, ECB collected $45M in penalties, showing enforcement rigor. Use the penalty calculator formula: base fine x (1 + 0.25 for default) x 2 for repeats, plus hearing fees. This structure incentivizes quick correction of building code violations or housing maintenance issues.

Penalty Escalation Steps

The process begins with initial fine payment due in 60 days. Owners receive a violation order specifying the Class A fine, Class B fine, or Class C fine. Prompt payment prevents added charges.

Next, request an ECB hearing with a $45 filing fee to contest the penalty. Prepare evidence of correction, such as photos of fixed pest infestation or heat violation. Hearings occur at OATH, where judges review DOB or HPD findings.

If no response, a default judgment adds 25% to the fine. For instance, a $500 Class B fine becomes $625. Repeat violations within two years double to $1000, affecting properties with ongoing issues like illegal conversions.

Willful violations go to criminal court, risking higher fines or jail. This applies to ignored vacate orders or emergency violations. Always appeal via ECB before escalation.

Certificate of Correction Process

After fixing a violation, submit a certification of correction, or C of C, to dismiss it. HPD or DOB requires proof, like contractor affidavits for plumbing violations or boiler issues. File online through BIS or HPDonline within 120 days of correction.

A certificate inspection may follow for hazardous violations, ensuring compliance with NYC building code. False C of C filings carry a $5,000 penalty, so document repairs thoroughly. Tenants can report uncorrected issues via NYC311.

Approved C of C closes the violation, clearing it from records. Open violations impact certificate of occupancy renewals or sales. Property owners bear responsibility, especially in multifamily dwellings.

For Class A immediate hazards, act fast to avoid abatement by city contractors, billed to owners. Track status to prevent liens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Class A, B, or C Violation in NYC?

In New York City, Class A, B, or C violations refer to categories of non-criminal offenses under the NYC Administrative Code and Health Code, primarily related to building, fire safety, sanitation, and public health issues. Class A is the most serious with fines up to $12,500, Class B up to $7,500, and Class C the least severe with fines up to $2,000, often issued by agencies like the Department of Buildings (DOB) or Department of Health (DOH).

What Is a Class A Violation in NYC?

A Class A violation in NYC is the highest severity level for civil infractions, typically involving immediate hazards to life, health, or property, such as structural instability or illegal occupancy. Fines can reach $12,500 per violation plus additional daily penalties until corrected, and they often require expedited fixes.

What Is a Class B Violation in NYC?

A Class B violation in NYC is a mid-level civil offense, often for conditions that pose potential risks, like faulty electrical systems or improper waste storage. Penalties include fines up to $7,500, with a standard correction period of 30 days, though extensions may be granted.

What Is a Class C Violation in NYC?

A Class C violation in NYC is the least severe category, addressing minor code non-compliance such as cosmetic building issues or small sanitation problems. Fines are capped at $2,000, and owners usually have 90 days to remedy them before further penalties apply.

How Do Class A, B, or C Violations Differ in NYC?

Class A, B, or C violations in NYC differ mainly in severity, fines, and correction timelines: Class A (immediate danger, highest fines, shortest deadlines), Class B (moderate risk, medium fines, 30-day fix), and Class C (minor issues, lowest fines, up to 90 days). The classification guides enforcement by city agencies.

What Should I Do If I Receive a Class A, B, or C Violation in NYC?

If issued a Class A, B, or C violation in NYC, promptly review the notice, correct the issue within the specified timeframe, and consider filing for a hearing or dismissal with the issuing agency like DOB. Consulting a licensed professional or attorney specializing in NYC code violations is recommended to avoid escalating penalties or liens.

Can Class A, B, or C Violations in NYC Lead to Criminal Charges?

Typically, Class A, B, or C violations in NYC are civil matters with fines, not criminal. However, repeated non-compliance or severe hazards (especially Class A) can escalate to misdemeanor or felony charges, property closure, or vacate orders by city authorities.