First-pass property diligence checklist (NYC)
Use this checklist for the first pass on a New York City property. Record the source and date for each item, and mark what is still missing so the next person knows what to chase.
Reviewed
| Area | Check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Address, BBL, building class, units, lot area | City lot file |
| Ownership | Owner of record, deed date, LLC principals | ACRIS, housing registration |
| Debt and liens | Mortgages, lis pendens, tax liens | ACRIS, court system, tax lien sale lists |
| Distress | Open foreclosure case and its stage | Court docket |
| Condition | Open violations, penalties, open permits | DOB, HPD, OATH |
| Zoning | District, FAR, unused floor area | Zoning maps, lot file |
| Value | Tax-roll market value and recent sales | Department of Finance |
| Open questions | Anything unresolved, with who will check it | Your notes |
In Hercules, each of these is on the property report, and the deal record keeps your notes and open questions with the property.