The key to manage leased properties in New York City properly is to familiarize yourself with all the rules and regulations of the city. Knowing the details of housing or renting violations prepares you to take the necessary steps in case these incidents happen. Among all the violations, landlords and property managers must be especially wary of building code violations or construction and zoning violations.
Here is a rundown of these two basic violations and the proper actions to take to remedy either situation.
What Are Building Code Violations?
Building code violations, better known as HPD violations, are issued by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development Violation. These are issued when a property owner fails to comply with the required building codes, depending on a class designation. The penalty is determined by the degree of violation. The violations are classified into four designations, as described below:
Classification: C – Immediately Hazardous
The first one is classified as “C – Immediately Hazardous.” When this violation is issued, the property owner is given either 24 hours or five days to make the correction. However, there are specific rules when it comes to heat and hot water violations. This must be complied with immediately and comes with a penalty of $250 per day.
Classification: B – Hazardous
This type of violation puts the property owner at risk of civil penalties and litigation if not corrected promptly. The governing agency allows the range of five days or 30 days to correct the violation, depending on its nature.
Classification: A – Non-Hazardous
This violation potentially includes fines and civil lawsuits if not corrected within 14 days or 90 days upon issuance of the violation.
Classification: B – Hazardous – Order to Correct
This violation may require municipal litigation or civil penalties. The governing agency may require immediate correction of this violation, while other forms of this violation allow for a month to correct.
What Are Construction or Zoning Resolution Violations?
This type of violation is otherwise known as ECB/OATH violation. The notices are issued by the Department of Buildings and are resolved by the New York City Construction Codes or Zoning Resolution. An order for correction is issued in the same way as HPD violations.
An additional order, however, may be issued to make a certification of the correction made. Under this violation, they are classified as immediately hazardous or class 1, major or class 2, and lesser or class 3. Whenever a charge is faced, the violator may need to pay penalties for the specific violation. In case there is a failure to appear in court, the violator may need to pay as much as $25,000.
Conclusion
Property management has many facets of responsibilities, which include the correction of building zone and construction code violations. For assistance regarding ECB and HPD violations, consult with a property management company to seek their recommendation on how to contest or process the documents.
True Management NYC is a company that specializes in multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial Property Management, Property Maintenance, and Real Estate Services. We are a team of professionals that are qualified to correct property management issues in New York City. Contact us today to make the necessary steps to rectify the problems immediately.