Step-by-Step Guide
Understand violation sources
NYC violations come from three agencies: DOB (construction code), HPD (housing code), and ECB (administrative enforcement). You need to check all three.
Search the property
Enter the address into RegWatch to see all DOB, HPD, and ECB violations in one view. Alternatively, check DOB NOW, HPD Online, and ECB/OATH separately.
Assess severity
DOB Class 1 = immediately hazardous. HPD Class C = 24-hour correction required. ECB defaults = maximum penalties. RegWatch risk-scores these automatically.
Check for liens
Unpaid ECB fines can become judgment liens. Check DOF for tax liens. RegWatch cross-references all of these automatically.
Additional Details
Building violations in NYC are a critical due diligence item. Open violations can delay closings, trigger insurance issues, and indicate deferred maintenance. ECB judgment liens attach to the property and must be satisfied at closing.
What You Get with RegWatch
- Search any NYC address instantly
- Data from 250+ government sources
- Professional PDF reports
- Title abstract generation
- Portfolio monitoring
- AI property analyst
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free way to do this?
You can search some NYC agency databases for free individually (ACRIS, DOB BIS, HPD Online, DOF). RegWatch offers a free account: free property viewing plus saved buildings with in-app compliance alerts. Our coverage extends beyond NYC to Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and New Jersey counties.
How long does this take?
Manually: 30 minutes to several hours per property depending on depth. With RegWatch: under 3 seconds for a complete profile from 250+ sources.
Do I need any special tools?
No special tools required. RegWatch works in any modern web browser. For manual research, you just need internet access to city agency websites.
How current is the data?
RegWatch data from official NYC sources is updated multiple times per day. Most records are within 24 hours of the agency databases.
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