NYC Property Purchase Due Diligence Checklist
Every step you need to complete before closing on an NYC property purchase.
Complete Checklist (12 Items)
Verify Property Ownership
Search ACRIS for the most recent deed and confirm the seller is the legal owner. Cross-reference with DOF property tax records. For LLC-owned properties, verify the authorized signer through the NYS Department of State.
Order a Title Search
Engage a title company to perform a full title search going back 40+ years. The search should cover deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and easements. Review the title report carefully for any encumbrances.
Check DOB Violations
Search DOB NOW (and legacy BIS records) for all open violations. Class 1 (immediately hazardous) violations are the highest priority. Open violations can delay closing and may need to be resolved or escrowed for.
Check HPD Violations
For residential buildings, search HPD Online for all open violations. Pay special attention to Class C violations. Multiple open violations may indicate deferred maintenance and future costs.
Check ECB Violations and Judgments
Search OATH/ECB for outstanding penalties. Unpaid ECB judgments become liens against the property. Ensure all penalties are paid or accounted for in the closing statement.
Review Certificate of Occupancy
Obtain and review the Certificate of Occupancy from DOB. Confirm the legal use matches the actual and intended use. Verify the number of units, occupancy type, and any special conditions.
Check Active Permits
Search DOB for active permits. Ongoing construction may indicate unfinished work or potential complications. Verify that all recent work was done with proper permits.
Verify Zoning Compliance
Check the zoning district on ZoLa. Confirm the current use is permitted. Calculate FAR utilization to understand remaining development potential. Check for any special district requirements.
Review Property Tax Status
Verify all property taxes are current with DOF. Check for any tax liens or water/sewer liens. Review the tax class and assessed value for accuracy. Check for expiring tax abatements.
Obtain Building Insurance History
Request the building insurance loss history (CLUE report). Review claims history for patterns indicating structural issues, water damage, or other problems. Verify current insurance coverage.
Check Environmental Records
Search the NYS DEC for environmental cleanup sites. Check for underground storage tanks. Review Phase I Environmental Site Assessment if applicable. Environmental contamination can be extremely costly.
Review Rent Roll and Leases
For income properties, review the rent roll, all leases, and rent-stabilized unit status. Verify rental income claims. Check for below-market leases, preferential rents, and lease expirations.
Buying property in NYC requires thorough due diligence across multiple city agencies and databases. Missing a single issue can cost thousands or even millions of dollars after closing. This checklist covers the essential items that every buyer, attorney, and advisor should verify.
How RegWatch Automates This Process
RegWatch aggregates data from DOB, HPD, DOF, ACRIS, ECB, and other agencies into a single searchable interface. Instead of checking each agency separately, enter any NYC address to see ownership, violations, permits, liens, zoning, and more in one view. Set up monitoring alerts to track changes on properties you are considering.
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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.