What is a HPD Class B violation?
An HPD housing maintenance code violation for conditions that are hazardous but not immediately dangerous to life or health — typically required to be corrected within 30 days.
Authority: Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)
Severity: Hazardous
Citation: NYC Administrative Code § 27-2115; 28 RCNY Chapter 4
Who gets this violation?
Residential building owners with disrepair conditions — peeling paint, water damage, defective plumbing fixtures, or pests not at infestation level.
Common causes
- Peeling, chipping, flaking paint (often lead-paint presumed in pre-1960 buildings)
- Leaks and water damage to ceilings/walls
- Defective plumbing fixtures, faucets, toilets
- Broken tiles, torn floor coverings, defective bathroom surfaces
- Mold growth (often resulting from underlying leaks)
- Missing or inadequate light/ventilation in rooms
Consequences of ignoring it
- $25/day per violation until cured (begins after cure window)
- $50/day if the violation is repeated (same unit, same condition within 2 years)
- Mandatory cure window: 30 days
- Rent-impairing condition designation possible (Class B with Class B+ factors)
- Class B paint violations in apartments with children create personal injury liability
How to resolve
- Correct the underlying condition within 30 days
- File certification of correction via HPD Online with before/after photos
- For presumed lead paint: engage EPA RRP-certified firm + provide XRF test if clearance is needed
- Address any underlying cause (fix leak before repainting)
- Request re-inspection or dismiss at ECB if miscategorized
Typical cost
$200 – $15,000 per violation
This range includes filing penalties, remediation/repair work, and related legal or consulting fees. Actual cost varies with severity, timing, and responsiveness — resolving within mandated cure windows is always cheaper than allowing fines to compound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check if my building has a HPD Class B violation?
Yes. Search any NYC address on RegWatch to see current HPD violations on the property, including their class, issue date, status, and any associated fines. This covers both DOB and HPD violation systems and is sourced directly from the authoritative agency records.
How long do I have to correct a HPD Class B violation?
Correction windows vary by severity. Major/hazardous violations typically require correction within 30 days. Check your specific Notice of Violation for the exact deadline.
Does a HPD Class B violation become a lien on my property?
Unpaid penalties associated with HPD Class B violations become judgment liens on the property when they go unpaid for 90+ days (ECB liens) or through DOF collection. These liens appear on title searches and can block refinance or sale closings until satisfied.
What's the difference between a HPD Class B violation and a Notice of Violation (NOV)?
A Notice of Violation (NOV) is the initial citation issued by the agency inspector. The HPD Class B classification refers to the severity tier assigned to the NOV. Once issued, the NOV creates both a DOB/HPD violation record and an ECB/OATH summons that carries the imposed penalty.
Where can I file a certification of correction?
For DOB violations, file via DOB NOW. For HPD violations, file via HPD Online with photo evidence of the correction. For ECB/OATH summonses, you must attend a hearing or pay the penalty — correction alone does not dismiss an ECB fine.
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