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Checklist

NYC Building Compliance Audit Checklist

Keep your NYC building in full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

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The playbook

Complete Checklist (9 Items)

STEP 01

HPD Registration (Annual)

Renew building registration with HPD annually. Registration is required for all residential buildings with 3+ units. Failure to register prevents collection of rent increases and results in penalties.

STEP 02

Boiler Inspection

Schedule annual boiler inspection by a licensed inspector. File the inspection report with DOB. Low-pressure boilers require annual inspection; high-pressure boilers require more frequent inspection. Maintain a boiler log.

STEP 03

Elevator Inspection

Ensure annual Category 1 elevator inspections are completed and filed with DOB. Schedule Category 5 inspections every 5 years. Maintain elevator maintenance contracts and logs.

STEP 04

Facade Inspection (FISP / Local Law 11)

For buildings over 6 stories, file Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) reports on the required cycle and track your filing deadline. Engage a QEWI (Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector) to perform the inspection and file the report. Unsafe or SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program) conditions require immediate attention; install sidewalk sheds if required for unsafe facades.

STEP 05

Fire Safety Compliance

Verify all fire safety systems are functional: sprinklers, standpipes, fire alarms, smoke detectors, CO detectors. File required FDNY reports. Maintain fire safety plan and post emergency procedures.

STEP 06

Lead Paint Compliance (Local Law 1)

For buildings with children under 6, perform annual lead paint inspections. Correct any lead paint hazards. Maintain records of all inspections, testing, and remediation. File annual reports as required.

STEP 07

Gas Piping Inspection (Local Law 152)

Schedule required gas piping inspections per Local Law 152 cycle. Engage a licensed master plumber or qualified individual to perform the inspection. File results with DOB.

STEP 08

Resolve Open Violations

Review all open DOB, HPD, and ECB violations. Prioritize Class 1 (DOB) and Class C (HPD) violations. Create a correction plan with timelines and budget. File certificates of correction as conditions are resolved.

STEP 09

Insurance Review

Review all building insurance policies for adequate coverage. Verify commercial general liability, property insurance, boiler and machinery, and umbrella coverage. Update policies for any building changes.

NYC building compliance involves numerous annual and periodic requirements from multiple agencies. Missing deadlines can result in violations, fines, and liability exposure. This checklist helps building owners stay on top of all regulatory requirements.

RegWatch Compliance Monitoring

RegWatch monitors your buildings for new violations, permit changes, and complaint filings. Set up alerts to be notified immediately when issues arise, allowing you to address them before they escalate.

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Automate Your Checklist

RegWatch automates many of these checks by aggregating data from DOB, HPD, ACRIS, and other NYC agencies. Save hours on every property.

NYC Building Compliance Audit Checklist (2026) | RegWatch