NYC Compliance Checklist for Small Building Owners

Every residential building with three or more units must be registered annually with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Key requirements:

• Registration must be renewed every year — it does not carry over automatically
• Update immediately whenever ownership or managing agent information changes
• Failure to register limits your ability to certify corrections on violations and can result in civil penalties

Not registered yet? You can file online through HPD Online.

All boilers in NYC must be inspected annually by a licensed inspector and the results filed with the Department of Buildings.

• High-pressure boilers require more frequent inspections
• Missed inspections can trigger DOB violations, fines, and insurance complications
• Keep your inspection certificates on file — DOB can request them at any time

Buildings with elevators must pass two types of periodic safety tests:

• Category 1 tests — annual, covers basic operation and safety devices
• Category 5 tests — every 5 years, covers full load and speed testing

Inspections must be conducted by a DOB-approved inspection agency. Letting certifications lapse is both a legal violation and a significant liability issue.

Buildings six stories or taller must undergo a Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) examination every five years. The inspector will classify your facade as one of three statuses:

• Safe — no action required
• Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) — repairs required within the cycle
• Unsafe — immediate remediation required; DOB must be notified

Missing a FISP filing results in significant DOB penalties and an automatic "Unsafe" classification.

Sprinkler systems and standpipes must be tested and certified annually per FDNY requirements. Obligations include:

• Annual testing documentation kept on file
• Fire safety plans posted and current
• Fire drills conducted where applicable

Non-compliance puts both residents and your certificate of occupancy at risk.

For buildings constructed before 1960, owners must conduct annual surveys and provide required notices to tenants. The stakes are higher when a child under six resides in any unit:

• Additional XRF lead inspection required
• Remediation obligations apply if lead is found
• HPD's lead paint requirements include strict documentation and disclosure rules

The penalties for non-compliance are steep, and enforcement has significantly increased in recent years.

Building gas piping must be periodically inspected by a licensed master plumber with results filed with the DOB. Inspection cycles are based on community district:

• Check your community district to confirm when your cycle is due
• File the inspection report with DOB within 60 days of inspection
• Non-compliance fine: up to $10,000 per year

This law was enacted after several gas explosion incidents and is strictly enforced.

Buildings with 10 or more units must file an annual bedbug infestation history with HPD by December 31 each year. The report covers:

• Infestation status for each unit over the prior year
• Eradication efforts taken

It may seem minor compared to structural inspections, but failure to file carries its own penalties and affects your building's public-facing HPD record.