HPD Housing Violations & Compliance NYC
The Department of Housing Preservation & Development enforces housing maintenance codes. BVS resolves HPD violations for lead paint, heat, hot water, pests, and structural issues.
What Is HPD?
The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is the largest municipal housing agency in the country. HPD enforces the NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC), the State Multiple Dwelling Law, and the State Multiple Residence Law — all of which establish minimum standards for health, safety, and habitability in residential buildings.
HPD's Code Enforcement division employs hundreds of inspectors who respond to tenant complaints filed through 311. Unlike DOB, which focuses on construction and building systems, HPD's focus is on the livability of residential units — heat, hot water, pest control, lead paint, plumbing, and general maintenance.
HPD also administers affordable housing programs, oversees rent-regulated housing, and manages the city's portfolio of in rem properties. For landlords and property managers, HPD is the agency most directly connected to tenant relations and building maintenance obligations.
HPD's Jurisdiction & Authority
HPD's enforcement authority covers all residential rental properties in NYC, including one- and two-family homes with tenants, multifamily buildings, and mixed-use buildings with residential units. Key areas include:
Enforcement of the Housing Maintenance Code (HMC)
Heat and hot water requirements during heating season
Lead-based paint inspections and abatement oversight (Local Law 1)
Window guard requirements in buildings with children under 10
Pest control and extermination compliance
Smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements
Emergency Repair Program (ERP) for owner non-compliance
Housing Court proceedings for chronic violators
Limitations of HPD
- HPD does not issue construction permits or regulate construction work — that's DOB's jurisdiction.
- HPD does not enforce fire safety codes — FDNY handles fire protection system inspections and violations.
- HPD violations do not carry direct monetary penalties like ECB violations. Instead, HPD can bring cases in Housing Court, where judges can impose fines and order repairs.
- HPD inspectors generally require access to the specific unit where a complaint was filed. They cannot inspect the entire building based on a single-unit complaint.
- HPD does not regulate commercial spaces — only residential portions of buildings fall under HPD's authority.
- HPD cannot force tenants to grant access for repairs. Owners must document access attempts and may need to seek court orders.
Types of HPD Violations
HPD violations are classified into three classes based on severity. Each class has different correction timeframes and enforcement consequences:
Class A — Non-Hazardous
Minor conditions like peeling paint in non-lead areas or missing window screens. Must be corrected within 90 days.
Penalties: $10–$50 per violation per day if not corrected. Lower severity but can accumulate if ignored across multiple units.
Class B — Hazardous
Conditions that endanger health or safety — inadequate lighting, broken locks, or vermin infestations. Must be corrected within 30 days.
Penalties: $25–$100 per violation per day. HPD may refer to Housing Court for enforcement.
Class C — Immediately Hazardous
The most severe: lead paint hazards, no heat or hot water, and serious structural defects. Must be corrected within 24 hours.
Penalties: $50–$150 per violation per day. HPD's Emergency Repair Program (ERP) may perform repairs and bill the owner at premium rates.
Why HPD Issues Violations
HPD violations are almost always triggered by tenant complaints filed through 311. When a complaint is received, HPD schedules an inspection — often within days for heat/hot water issues and within weeks for other conditions. If the inspector confirms the reported condition, a violation is issued immediately.
HPD also conducts proactive inspections through programs like the Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP), which targets the city's worst buildings based on violation history. Buildings on the AEP list face enhanced scrutiny and accelerated enforcement.
Common HPD Violation Triggers
Lack of heat during heating season (Oct 1 – May 31)
No hot water
Lead-based paint hazards in units with children under 6
Pest infestations (roaches, mice, bedbugs, rats)
Water leaks and mold growth
Broken or missing smoke and CO detectors
Defective plumbing or electrical systems
Missing window guards in apartments with children under 10
Peeling paint or crumbling plaster
Broken or inoperable windows and doors
How BVS Resolves HPD Violations
Violation Review
We review all open HPD violations and prioritize by class and deadline.
Repair Coordination
BVS engages qualified contractors and documents all repairs with photographs and receipts.
Certification of Correction
We file Certifications of Correction with HPD, attesting that violations have been cured.
Re-Inspection Management
HPD may conduct follow-up inspections to verify corrections. BVS ensures the property is ready.
Consequences of Ignoring HPD Violations
Unresolved HPD violations can lead to Emergency Repair Program charges (where HPD performs repairs and bills the owner at premium rates), civil penalties, and even Housing Court proceedings.
- ERP charges at 2-3x the cost of private repairs, plus administrative fees
- Housing Court orders with daily penalties until corrections are made
- Placement on the AEP list with enhanced enforcement and public disclosure
- Complications during property sales, refinancing, or title transfers
- Tenant rent strikes and potential rent abatement claims
Have HPD Violations?
Contact BVS today for fast, effective HPD violation resolution.