Step-by-step playbooks, term definitions, and fine schedules for every NYC property system — DOB, HPD, ACRIS, DOF, ECB, OATH, and more. Written for owners, brokers, attorneys, and anyone trying to make sense of a building's record.
Filter by type or search by keyword — DOB, ACRIS, zoning, fines, certificates of occupancy.
Step-by-step guide to checking NYC Department of Buildings violations online using DOB NOW, BIS, and RegWatch.
Complete guide to searching NYC ACRIS property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents.
Learn how to find who owns any property in NYC using free public records from DOF, ACRIS, HPD, and other sources.
Learn how to search for active and expired building permits in NYC using DOB NOW and BIS portals.
Guide to finding and understanding NYC Certificates of Occupancy using DOB records.
How to search for NYC HPD housing violations including Class A, B, and C violations for any residential building.
Guide to finding the zoning district and regulations for any NYC address using ZoLa and other tools.
Step-by-step guide to finding tax liens, mechanic liens, judgment liens, and other encumbrances on NYC properties. Covers ACRIS, DOF lien sales, ECB judgments, and more.
Guide to contesting and appealing ECB/OATH violations in NYC including hearing procedures and deadlines.
How to determine if an NYC apartment is rent-stabilized using DHCR records, tax bills, and building registration data.
Where to find approved building floor plans in NYC including DOB records, permit filings, and professional services.
How to find elevator inspection records and violations for NYC buildings using DOB records.
Guide to filing building permit applications with the NYC Department of Buildings through DOB NOW.
How to search for DOB and HPD complaints filed against NYC buildings and track their resolution status.
Methods to determine the lot area and dimensions for any NYC property using city records and mapping tools.
Understanding the Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) numbering system used to identify every property in New York City.
Understanding Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in NYC zoning, how it is calculated, and its impact on development potential.
Understanding NYC Certificates of Occupancy: what they are, why they matter, how to look them up, and how they affect property transactions. Covers C of O vs TCO vs LNO, common problems, and requirements by property type.
Understanding title abstracts in NYC real estate: what they contain, how they differ from title searches, and when you need one.
Understanding DOB NOW, the NYC Department of Buildings online portal for permits, inspections, and violations.
Understanding ECB violations in NYC: how they are issued, types, penalties, and resolution process.
Understanding HPD Class C violations in NYC: the most serious housing code violations requiring 24-hour correction.
Understanding NYC property tax classes 1 through 4, assessment ratios, tax rates, and how they affect your tax bill.
Understanding the Building Information Number (BIN) used by NYC DOB to identify individual buildings.
Understanding zoning lot mergers in NYC: how they work, why they are valuable, and how unused development rights are transferred.
Complete guide to NYC Department of Buildings violation fines, penalty schedules, and how to minimize costs.
Complete guide to HPD violation penalties by class, correction deadlines, and enforcement actions in NYC.
Complete ECB/OATH penalty schedule for NYC violations from DOB, FDNY, DEP, and other agencies.
Complete breakdown of NYC building permit costs, DOB filing fees, plan examination fees, and related expenses.
Current NYC property tax rates for all four tax classes, assessment ratios, and how your bill is calculated.
Complete guide to insurance requirements for NYC construction projects including general liability, workers comp, and builder risk.
RegWatch aggregates every source these guides reference. Search any address — get violations, permits, ownership, zoning, taxes, and title in one report.