Reading building violations and permits in due diligence
In New York City, the Department of Buildings records permits and building-code violations, and HPD records housing-maintenance violations for residential buildings. Open violations and unpaid penalties can follow the property to a new owner.
Reviewed
| Record | Agency | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Building permits and job filings | DOB | Open jobs, work without sign-off, recent alterations |
| Building violations | DOB | Open violations and their class |
| Penalties | OATH / ECB | Unpaid balances, hearing outcomes |
| Housing violations | HPD | Open class C (immediately hazardous) items |
| Housing litigation | HPD | Cases brought against the owner |
A violation is a recorded allegation or finding, not a full picture of the building. Ask the seller for the status of each open item and confirm with the agency.