The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) issues violations to ensure residential buildings meet basic health, safety, and habitability standards. For property owners, managers, and even tenants, understanding the different types of HPD violations is essential for staying compliant and avoiding costly penalties.
Below is a breakdown of the main HPD violation categories and what they mean in practice.
Class A Violations – Non-Hazardous Conditions
Class A violations are the least severe but still require attention. These violations indicate conditions that affect habitability but do not pose an immediate threat to health or safety.
Common examples include:
- Minor plaster or paint defects
- Small leaks or drips
- Loose fixtures or hardware
- Inadequate lighting in common areas
Correction timeframe:
Property owners typically have 90 days to correct Class A violations.
While these may seem minor, repeated or unresolved Class A violations can escalate enforcement actions over time.
Class B Violations – Hazardous Conditions
Class B violations involve conditions that are considered hazardous and could affect tenant health or safety if left unaddressed.
Common examples include:
- Mold or mildew
- Leaking pipes causing water damage
- Broken handrails
- Defective electrical outlets or wiring
- Vermin infestations
Correction timeframe:
Most Class B violations must be corrected within 30 days.
Failure to address these violations promptly can result in civil penalties and HPD re-inspections.
Class C Violations – Immediately Hazardous Conditions
Class C violations are the most serious and require urgent action. These conditions pose an immediate danger to occupants and often trigger enforcement measures if not corrected quickly.
Common examples include:
- No heat or hot water
- Gas leaks
- Lead-based paint hazards
- Fire safety issues
- Structural instability
Correction timeframe:
Class C violations must typically be corrected within 24 hours.
In many cases, HPD may perform emergency repairs and bill the owner if the violation is not resolved immediately.
Lead-Based Paint Violations
Lead-based paint violations are a specialized category, often classified as Class C, especially in apartments where children under six reside.
Typical triggers include:
- Peeling or chipping paint in pre-1960 buildings
- Failed lead inspections or dust wipe tests
- Non-compliance with Local Law 1
These violations carry strict correction requirements, certified abatement rules, and significant penalties for non-compliance.
Heat and Hot Water Violations
Heat and hot water issues are among the most common HPD violations, especially during the heating season (October 1 to May 31).
Examples include:
- No heat during required temperature periods
- No hot water at any time
- Inconsistent or inadequate heat
These are almost always classified as Class C violations and can lead to daily fines until resolved.
Harassment and Legal Violations
HPD also issues violations related to tenant harassment or illegal building practices.
Examples include:
- Illegal lockouts
- Interrupting essential services
- Performing work without required permits
- Failure to comply with court orders
These violations can involve legal proceedings, heavy fines, and long-term compliance monitoring.
Why HPD Violations Matter
Unresolved HPD violations can result in:
- Civil penalties and daily fines
- Emergency repair charges billed to the owner
- Difficulty selling or refinancing a property
- Legal action and court involvement
Staying proactive with inspections, maintenance, and timely repairs helps protect both tenants and property owners.
Final Thoughts
HPD violations are more than just paperwork — they reflect real safety and habitability concerns. Understanding the different violation classes and acting quickly can prevent escalation, reduce costs, and keep buildings compliant with NYC housing laws.
