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New York, NY Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Program
HPD Alternative Enforcement Program (AEP)
Enrollment trigger
27+ open hazardous violations, building-wide
Sign-posting penalty
$250 for failing to post notice
Correction deadline
4 months after department notification
Inspection order deadline
Issued within 90 days

Summary

New York City's Alternative Enforcement Program forces HPD to identify chronically neglected rental buildings, order a building-wide inspection, and post public notices until every violation is cleared.

The department shall perform a building-wide inspection of a building that is subject to the requirements of the alternative enforcement program if: (1) the owner has been notified that such building has not been discharged from the program pursuant to subdivision i of this section, or (2) the owner has failed to respond to written notification by the department in accordance with subdivision g of this section. Such building-wide inspection shall be commenced no later than thirty days after notice is given to the owner pursuant to paragraph ii of subdivision j of this section.

Full Breakdown

HPD's Alternative Enforcement Program targets 'distressed' multiple dwellings flagged for high volumes of unresolved hazardous violations and unpaid emergency repair charges under Admin Code § 27-2153. Once enrolled, the owner must post an English/Spanish sign in the building naming the owner and any mortgage holder, or face a $250 penalty, and must correct existing violations within four months of notice. If the owner fails to respond or clear the violations, HPD performs a citywide building-wide inspection and, within 90 days of starting it, files a court order requiring repair of every violation and related underlying condition, with reinspection fees billed back to the owner.

Violations & Fines

Owners face a $250 penalty for failing to post the required program sign, plus emergency repair charges, reinspection fees, and liens against the property for uncorrected hazardous violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers NYC's Alternative Enforcement Program?
HPD selects distressed multiple dwellings with 27+ open hazardous violations, a high violation-to-unit ratio, and significant unpaid emergency repair charges over the prior two years.
What happens if the owner doesn't fix violations?
HPD performs a building-wide inspection, then files a court-recorded order requiring the owner to correct every violation and underlying condition within a set deadline.
Does the owner have to tell tenants about it?
Yes: the owner must post a sign in the building giving the owner's contact info, the mortgage holder's identity, and the 311 complaint line, or pay a $250 penalty.

Sources & Official References

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