What Is an HPD Violation and How Do I Look One Up?

January 10, 2026

Ever discovered a surprise HPD violation lurking on your dream apartment or investment property? These New York City housing code breaches can derail deals or drain your wallet fast.

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.

In this guide, we'll break down what HPD violations are, who issues them, their real-world impact on owners and tenants, and-most crucially-how to search them using the official HPD BIS portal. Ready to uncover hidden red flags?

What Is an HPD Violation?

HPD violations are official notices issued by New York City's Department of Housing Preservation and Development when landlords fail to maintain safe, habitable conditions in residential buildings. HPD acts as the city's housing code enforcement agency, enforcing the NYC Administrative Code 27-2005. These building violations apply to 1-6 family homes and multiple dwellings.

Landlords receive a notice of violation or NOV after an HPD inspector identifies issues during inspections or in response to tenant complaints. Violations cover problems like heat failures, pest infestations, and structural hazards. Tenants gain leverage through these notices to enforce tenant rights and prompt repairs.

Owners must address open violations by the compliance deadline, often certifying correction via the HPD portal. Failure leads to HPD fines, ECB hearings, or even vacate orders. Checking violation status helps renters assess properties before signing leases.

Common triggers include no hot water or mold growth, leading to immediate action. HPD issues over 250,000 violations annually based on NYC Open Data 2023, highlighting widespread enforcement in rent-stabilized and quality housing units.

Definition and Legal Basis

An HPD violation is a formal legal notice citing specific failures to comply with NYC Housing Maintenance Code (Administrative Code Title 27, Chapter 7). The core legal basis stems from NYC Admin Code 27-2005 on maintenance requirements and 27-2017 on classifications. These rules ensure owner responsibility for safe living conditions in multiple dwellings.

Key requirements include providing adequate heat at 68 degreesF during cold months, hot water at 120 degreesF, and pest-free units. Failure to provide heat, for example, triggers a Class B violation. Inspectors document issues in an inspection report, issuing the NOV with a violation description and correction date.

Violations range from non-hazardous cosmetic fixes to immediately hazardous conditions warranting emergency repairs. Landlords face civil penalties for non-compliance, with options to certify correction or request ECB hearings. Tenants can file an HPD complaint to initiate inspections.

Understanding these codes enables renters to spot landlord violations early. For instance, a lead paint violation in older buildings falls under strict rules, protecting families from health risks.

Common Types of HPD Violations

HPD classifies violations into A, B, and C categories based on severity, with Class C being immediately hazardous. Class A covers cosmetic issues like peeling paint with lower fines, while Class B addresses heat or hot water failures. Class C demands urgent fixes for dangers like structural issues or no heat in winter.

Violation Class	Description	Fine Range	Example
Class A	Cosmetic, non-hazardous	$100	Peeling paint
Class B	Essential services failure	$250-$500	Heat/hot water issues
Class C	Immediately hazardous	$1000+	No heat in winter

Top issues include heat violations, mold, pests, hot water problems, and leaks, per 2023 data with tens of thousands of cases each. A real example is violation number 123456789 for pest infestation in a Brooklyn multiple dwelling. These often appear in violation history searches by property address or BIN number.

Other frequent types cover fire safety violations, elevator issues, illegal occupancy, and structural violations. Tenants should check for active violations using the HPD website or BIS system to avoid unsafe rentals. Dismissed violations indicate past fixes, but open ones signal ongoing risks.

Who Issues HPD Violations?

HPD violations are issued exclusively by trained HPD inspectors responding to tenant complaints or routine inspections. These professionals from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development enforce housing codes in multi-dwelling buildings. Their work ensures tenant safety and property compliance across NYC.

Three main triggers prompt HPD inspectors to act. First, tenant 311 complaints often lead to visits, such as reports of heat issues or pest infestations. Second, routine inspections of multi-dwelling properties check for code violations. Third, emergency responses handle immediate hazards like structural failures.

Once triggered, the process moves quickly. A complaint prompts an inspector visit within 2 to 14 days, depending on severity. Inspectors issue a notice of violation (NOV) on-site if they find issues like mold or illegal occupancy.

With over 450 HPD inspectors citywide, coverage spans all boroughs. Owners receive the NOV with details on violation classification, such as class A, B, or C. They can appeal through the Environmental Control Board (ECB) hearing process to contest findings.

Why HPD Violations Matter

HPD violations create legal, financial, and operational challenges affecting both property owners and tenants across NYC's rental units. These housing violations from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development signal issues like mold, heat failures, or pest infestations. Owners must address them promptly to avoid escalating problems.

Violations impact property values, tenant health, and the rental market. For example, unresolved open violations can complicate building sales during title searches. Tenants facing heat violations or mold violations often deal with discomfort and health risks.

Both sides face consequences from HPD fines and repair demands. Property owners risk ECB hearings, while tenants gain rights to rent abatement. Checking violation status via the HPD website helps everyone stay informed.

Understanding violation classification matters, from Class A violations for minor issues to Class C hazardous violations. This knowledge sets the stage for proper violation lookup and response in New York City.

Impact on Property Owners

Property owners face immediate fines for HPD violations, plus costs for emergency repairs. A single Class B violation triggers penalties and requires quick fixes to meet compliance deadlines. Ignoring them leads to bigger issues.

Key impacts include ECB hearings with filing fees and legal costs. Building sales often delay due to flagged open violations in title searches. Vacate orders force tenants out, halting rent collection.

Fines accumulate for each uncorrected violation, pressuring cash flow.
Owners must certify correction with proof, like photos or invoices.
Emergency repairs for immediately hazardous issues demand fast action.
Lost rent from vacancies offsets any short-term savings on fixes.

For instance, a pest infestation violation might cost thousands in extermination, far exceeding initial penalties. Owners should use the HPD portal for violation lookup online and track correction dates to protect their investments.

Consequences for Tenants

Tenants gain legal leverage through HPD violations: rent reductions, emergency fixes, and protection from landlord neglect. A Class C violation can lead to full rent abatement until resolved. This shifts power in rent-stabilized units.

Tenant rights include programs for quick relief. HPD's emergency repair program fixes urgent problems and bills the landlord. In severe cases, HP Action allows tenant oversight of troubled buildings.

Withhold rent legally after documenting a housing code breach.
File an HPD complaint for issues like hot water violations or fire safety violations.
Request violation history via address or BIN number for leverage.
Pursue abatement for ongoing problems like lead paint violations.

Consider a case where tenants in a multiple dwelling won full abatement for a structural violation, forcing repairs. Always check violation status on the HPD website or NYC open data to enforce these rights effectively.

How to Look Up HPD Violations

NYC's free HPD BIS system reveals all open, dismissed, and historical HPD violations instantly by address, BIN, or owner name. The Building Information System holds over two million violation records from the 1980s across all five boroughs and more than 900,000 buildings. This mobile-friendly portal handles over one million searches each month.

Users can explore violation history for issues like class A, class B, or class C violations, including hazardous ones. Search results show details such as violation number, issuance date, correction date, and status. Alternatives include the NYC Open Data API for developers seeking bulk data on NYC HPD complaints and compliance.

The BIS system updates daily from the Housing Preservation and Development department. It covers landlord violations, tenant rights issues, and orders like vacate or emergency repairs. Common searches involve heat violations, mold, pests, or lead paint in multiple dwellings.

Property owners check for open violations to avoid HPD fines or ECB hearings. Tenants verify violation status before filing complaints. This tool supports rent-stabilized units and quality housing standards under the NYC administrative code.

Official HPD BIS Online Portal

Access the official BIS portal at https://hpdonline.hpd.nyc.gov/hpdonline/ - NYC's authoritative violation database updated daily. The main search page offers four methods: by property address, BIN number, block and lot, or owner name. It covers all boroughs for building violations in over 900,000 properties.

Enter a house number and street, like 123 Main Street, Brooklyn, for quick results on open violations or dismissed ones. Use the BIN for precision on high-rises or the owner name for portfolios. In 2023, it processed 1.2 million searches, showing high demand for HPD searches.

Locate the prominent search box at the top, then apply the 'All Violations' filter for full history. Results list violation classification, description, and dates. Mobile access works well, though the site lacks a dedicated app for advanced features like inspection reports.

This HPD website displays NOV details, compliance deadlines, and certified corrections. Search for specific issues like fire safety violations or elevator problems. It integrates with DOB violations for complete property insights.

Step-by-Step Search Guide

Follow these 5 steps to find HPD violations in under 2 minutes using any device. First, go to hpdonline.hpd.nyc.gov, which takes about 30 seconds. The violation search tool loads quickly on phones or computers.

Enter the house number + street or BIN number, which is most accurate for pinpointing buildings.
Select the correct borough, like Manhattan or Queens, to avoid mismatched results.
Click 'Search Violations' and choose filters for open, closed, or all violations.
Review the list with violation number, class, issuance date, and correction date.
Click any entry for details on violation description, penalties, or HPD inspector notes.

Common mistakes include picking the wrong borough or entering incomplete addresses, like omitting the apartment number. Double-check the property tax lot or building ID if results seem off. The process typically finishes in 90 seconds.

Examples include searching 456 Elm Ave, Bronx for pest infestation issues or a BIN for hot water violations. Owners track certified corrections to close fixit tickets. Tenants spot immediately hazardous conditions warranting complaints.

Understanding Violation Details

Each HPD violation record shows 12 key data points telling you exactly what happened, when, and current status. These details from the Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) help tenants and owners track building violations in New York City. You can find them through the HPD website or violation lookup online.

The violation number acts as a unique ID, like 35201467-19-45, linking to the full record. Key fields include class A violation, class B violation, or class C violation, which show severity from non-hazardous to immediately hazardous. Dates for issuance and correction, plus status, reveal if action is needed.

Owners face HPD fines based on class and must certify corrections. Tenants gain tenant rights knowing details, such as for heat violation or mold violation. Use the HPD portal for lookup violation by address or violation number.

This breakdown supports violation history checks during rent-stabilized moves or purchases. Search by property address, borough, or BIN number to spot patterns like repeated pest infestation. Experts recommend reviewing these for owner responsibility.

Violation Anatomy Table

Violation #	Class (A/B/C)	Issue Date	Correction Date	Status	Description	Fine Amount	Agency Response
35201467-19-45	Class B	1/15/2024	Not Set	Open	Heat violation in multiple dwelling	$450	HPD inspector issued NOV
35201468-20-12	Class A	2/20/2024	3/10/2024	Corrected with Fine	Lead paint violation	$250	Certified correction filed
35201469-21-03	Class C	3/5/2024	Not Set	Open	Structural violation, immediately hazardous	$1,200	Vacate order issued

This table outlines typical HPD violation fields from the NYC HPD system. Match your violation number to see details like fine amount or agency response. It aids in understanding violation classification during HPD search.

Common Violation Statuses Explained

Open violation means the issue persists, requiring owner action under NYC administrative code. Landlords must repair by the compliance deadline or face escalating violation penalty. Tenants should monitor for emergency repair needs.

Dismissed violation occurs when HPD finds no issue after review, often via ECB hearing. Check the dismissed violations list on the HPD portal for relief. It clears records without fines.

Violation Worked Off applies when owners fix without full penalty, like minor class A violation such as hot water violation. Submit proof to HPD for update. This status shows partial compliance.

Corrected with Fine indicates repair plus payment, common for fire safety violation or elevator violation. Owners file certified correction and pay via Environmental Control Board. Track via violation status in Building Information System (BIS).

What to Do After Finding a Violation

Landlords must fix violations within 14-21 days and file a Certification of Correction online. Tenants can demand repairs or file ECB appeals to address HPD violations. Acting quickly helps resolve open violations and avoid further penalties from Housing Preservation and Development.

Class C violations, which are immediately hazardous, require fixes within 24 hours. Class B violations demand correction in 14 days. Knowing these violation classifications guides your next steps after a violation lookup.

For Landlords

Landlords bear owner responsibility to repair HPD violations promptly. Costs to fix issues like heat violations or mold violations often range from $500 to $5,000, depending on severity. Start by addressing the violation description noted in the NOV.

Follow these four key steps to achieve certified correction.

Fix the issue, such as repairing a structural violation or eliminating pest infestation, within the compliance deadline.
File a Correction Certification online via the HPD portal, with fees from $0 to $150.
Schedule a re-inspection through HPD to verify compliance.
Pay any ECB fine or attend an Environmental Control Board hearing if contested.

After correction, check the violation status on the HPD website or BIS system. Dismissed violations update to closed, protecting against vacate orders or escalated HPD fines.

For Tenants

Tenants have strong tenant rights when facing landlord violations in rent-stabilized or multiple dwelling units. Document everything after your violation lookup online to build a case for repairs. This protects against issues like hot water violations or fire safety violations.

Take these three steps to enforce action on active violations.

Document the problem with photos, noting the property address, violation number, and issuance date.
File a 311 follow-up or new HPD complaint to track progress on class B violations or class C violations.
Request rent abatement through DHCR or ECB if the landlord delays beyond deadlines.

Monitor violation history via NYC open data or HPD search tools. Persistent non-hazardous violations like class A can lead to emergency repairs by HPD, reducing your burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an HPD Violation?

An HPD violation refers to a breach of housing codes or regulations issued by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). These violations are typically cited during inspections for issues like unsafe conditions, lack of maintenance, or non-compliance with building standards in residential properties. To understand What Is an HPD Violation and How Do I Look One Up?, start by recognizing it's a formal notice requiring corrective action by the property owner.

How Do I Look Up an HPD Violation Online?

To look up an HPD violation, visit the official NYC HPD website and use their Buildings Information System (BIS) tool. Enter the property's address or Block and Lot (BORO, BLOCK, LOT) number to search records. This directly addresses What Is an HPD Violation and How Do I Look One Up? by providing free public access to violation histories, open cases, and enforcement actions.

What Keywords Should I Use to Search for HPD Violations?

When searching for HPD violations, use specific terms like the property address, borough, or the phrase "What Is an HPD Violation and How Do I Look One Up?" on the HPD portal or NYC Open Data portal. Keywords such as "HPD violation lookup," "NYC housing violations," or violation class (e.g., Class A, B, C) help filter results efficiently.

Are HPD Violations Public Record, and How Can I Access Them?

Yes, HPD violations are public records accessible via the HPDonline portal or NYC's BIS system. Simply input the address to view details like violation date, description, and status. This resource is key to answering What Is an HPD Violation and How Do I Look One Up?, ensuring tenants and buyers can check property compliance quickly.

What Types of HPD Violations Exist, and Where Do I Find Details?

HPD violations are categorized into Class A (non-hazardous), Class B (hazardous), and Class C (immediately hazardous), covering issues from pests to structural defects. Lookup specifics on the HPD website's violation lookup tool, tying into What Is an HPD Violation and How Do I Look One Up? for comprehensive property assessments.

Can I Look Up HPD Violations for a Specific Address Step-by-Step?

Step 1: Go to the HPD Buildings Information page. Step 2: Select "Search by Address" or BBL. Step 3: Review the violations tab for open/closed cases. This straightforward process answers What Is an HPD Violation and How Do I Look One Up?, enableing users with instant access to critical housing data.