Renting an apartment, buying a building, or checking on a landlord? HPD Online is the free tool for looking up a NYC residential building’s violations, complaints, and registration. Here is what it shows and how to use it.
What is HPD Online?
HPD stands for the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development. HPD Online is its free public lookup where you can enter any residential address and see the building’s open complaints, housing violations, litigation, property registration, and owner or managing agent information, along with the block and lot.
What you can find
- Violations, categorized by hazard class (more below)
- Complaints and their status
- Litigation and charges against the building
- Property registration, including the registered owner and managing agent
- The building’s block and lot
HPD violation classes
HPD violations come in three levels of seriousness:
- Class A (non-hazardous): minor issues like peeling paint in common areas; roughly a 90-day window to correct.
- Class B (hazardous): conditions like broken windows or pest infestation; about a 30-day window.
- Class C (immediately hazardous): serious issues such as no heat or hot water, or lead paint with a young child; the landlord must begin correcting within 24 hours.
How to use HPD Online
Open HPD Online on the NYC HPD website, enter the building’s address, and review the tabs for complaints, violations, registration, and litigation. It covers residential buildings citywide.
HPD Online vs ACRIS: who really owns the building?
HPD Online shows the registered owner or managing agent, which is who is responsible for the building’s condition, but that is not always the same as the legal property owner on the deed. For the actual owner and the recorded deed, you want ACRIS. If you are trying to track down who really owns a property, start with how to find a property owner in NYC.
Buying or transferring a NYC property? We notarize and record your deed with ACRIS.
Frequently asked questions
Is HPD Online free?
Yes. It is a free public tool from NYC Housing Preservation and Development.
How do I check a building for violations before I rent?
Enter the address in HPD Online and review the violations and complaints tabs, paying attention to any Class C (immediately hazardous) items.
Does HPD Online show the property owner?
It shows the registered owner or managing agent. For the deed owner, use ACRIS, see how to find a property owner in NYC.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Confirm current features and definitions on the official NYC HPD website.
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