NYC property research,
plainly explained.
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.
Why RegWatch
Behind every New York address is a thick public file — permits filed, violations issued, deeds and mortgages recorded, taxes assessed, certificates of occupancy granted, complaints logged. RegWatch reads that record across DOB, HPD, ACRIS, DOF, ECB and 270-plus other government sources and turns it into a single plain-English report — so understanding a building takes one search instead of a dozen open browser tabs and an afternoon of cross-referencing.
Browse the library
Filter by type or search by keyword — DOB, ACRIS, zoning, fines, certificates of occupancy.
How to Check DOB Violations Online
Step-by-step guide to checking NYC Department of Buildings violations online using DOB NOW, BIS, and RegWatch.
How to Search ACRIS Records
Complete guide to searching NYC ACRIS property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents.
How to Find a Property Owner in NYC
Learn how to find who owns any property in NYC using free public records from DOF, ACRIS, HPD, and other sources.
How to Check Building Permits in NYC
Learn how to search for active and expired building permits in NYC using DOB NOW and BIS portals.
How to Look Up a Certificate of Occupancy in NYC
Guide to finding and understanding NYC Certificates of Occupancy using DOB records.
How to Check HPD Violations
How to search for NYC HPD housing violations including Class A, B, and C violations for any residential building.
How to Find Zoning for an Address in NYC
Guide to finding the zoning district and regulations for any NYC address using ZoLa and other tools.
How to Check Property Liens in NYC
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.
How to Appeal an ECB Violation in NYC
Guide to contesting and appealing ECB/OATH violations in NYC including hearing procedures and deadlines.
How to Check Rent Stabilization Status in NYC
How to determine if an NYC apartment is rent-stabilized using DHCR records, tax bills, and building registration data.
How to Get Building Floor Plans in NYC
Where to find approved building floor plans in NYC including DOB records, permit filings, and professional services.
How to Check Elevator Violations in NYC
How to find elevator inspection records and violations for NYC buildings using DOB records.
How to File a DOB Permit Application in NYC
Guide to filing building permit applications with the NYC Department of Buildings through DOB NOW.
How to Check Building Complaints in NYC
How to search for DOB and HPD complaints filed against NYC buildings and track their resolution status.
How to Find Lot Size in NYC
Methods to determine the lot area and dimensions for any NYC property using city records and mapping tools.
What Is a BBL Number in NYC?
Understanding the Borough-Block-Lot (BBL) numbering system used to identify every property in New York City.
What Is FAR (Floor Area Ratio)?
Understanding Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in NYC zoning, how it is calculated, and its impact on development potential.
What Is a Certificate of Occupancy?
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.
What Is a Title Abstract?
Understanding title abstracts in NYC real estate: what they contain, how they differ from title searches, and when you need one.
What Is DOB NOW?
Understanding DOB NOW, the NYC Department of Buildings online portal for permits, inspections, and violations.
What Is an ECB Violation?
Understanding ECB violations in NYC: how they are issued, types, penalties, and resolution process.
What Is an HPD Class C Violation?
Understanding HPD Class C violations in NYC: the most serious housing code violations requiring 24-hour correction.
What Is an NYC Property Tax Class?
Understanding NYC property tax classes 1 through 4, assessment ratios, tax rates, and how they affect your tax bill.
What Is a Building Information Number (BIN)?
Understanding the Building Information Number (BIN) used by NYC DOB to identify individual buildings.
What Is a Zoning Lot Merger?
Understanding zoning lot mergers in NYC: how they work, why they are valuable, and how unused development rights are transferred.
NYC DOB Violation Fines and Penalties
Complete guide to NYC Department of Buildings violation fines, penalty schedules, and how to minimize costs.
NYC HPD Violation Penalties and Fines
Complete guide to HPD violation penalties by class, correction deadlines, and enforcement actions in NYC.
NYC ECB Violation Fines Schedule
Complete ECB/OATH penalty schedule for NYC violations from DOB, FDNY, DEP, and other agencies.
NYC Building Permit Costs and Filing Fees
Complete breakdown of NYC building permit costs, DOB filing fees, plan examination fees, and related expenses.
NYC Property Tax Rates by Class
Current NYC property tax rates for all four tax classes, assessment ratios, and how your bill is calculated.
NYC Construction Insurance Requirements
Complete guide to insurance requirements for NYC construction projects including general liability, workers comp, and builder risk.