Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in New York

New York, NY Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

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

Key Facts

HPD response deadline
30 days from complaint
Venue
Housing Part, NYC Civil Court
Who may apply
Any lawful occupant(s)
Court remedy
Order compelling owner and HPD to appear

Summary

If HPD doesn't issue a violation notice within 30 days of a tenant's complaint, the tenant can take the landlord and HPD to Housing Court to force an inspection order under the Housing Maintenance Code.

Should the department fail to issue a notice of violation upon the request of a lawful occupant or group of lawful occupants within thirty days of the date of such request, ... the lawful occupant or any group of lawful occupants, may individually or jointly apply to the housing part for an order directing the owner and the department to appear before the court.

Source: HPD InspectionsView official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Housing Maintenance Code, a lawful occupant who requests an inspection is entitled to a department response. If the Department of Housing Preservation and Development fails to issue a notice of violation within thirty days of that request, or leaves an existing violation unresolved, the occupant (individually or with other tenants in the building) can apply directly to the Housing Part of NYC Civil Court for an order directing both the owner and HPD to appear. The court decides whether to grant the order for good cause shown, and if it finds a violation, it directs the owner to correct it on a set timetable.

Violations & Fines

Owners who miss the court-ordered correction deadline face civil penalties under § 27-2115(a): up to $1,200 per day for immediately hazardous violations in buildings with more than five units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if HPD ignores my complaint?
If HPD doesn't issue a violation notice within 30 days of your request, you (alone or with other tenants) can apply to the Housing Part of Civil Court for an order making HPD and your landlord appear.
What happens if the landlord still doesn't fix the problem?
The court sets a correction deadline; missing it triggers civil penalties under § 27-2115(a), running as high as $1,200 per day for immediately hazardous conditions in larger buildings.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in New York

Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsInspection ProgramsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Wildfire ZonesLight Restrictions

All New York rules

New York rules heatmap·Compare New York to another location·View the New York rental inspections overview

Get notified when Tenant Complaint Process in New York, NY changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.