HPD Class A, B and C violations explained

The short answer

HPD (the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development) sorts housing code violations by how dangerous they are. The class decides how fast you have to fix the condition.

Class A: non-hazardous

Examples include minor leaks, chipping or peeling paint where no young children live, and missing signs showing floor numbers. You generally have 90 days to correct the condition and certify the correction to HPD.

Class B: hazardous

Examples include public doors that don’t self-close, inadequate lighting in public areas, and missing peepholes. You generally have 30 days to correct and certify.

Class C: immediately hazardous

Examples include inadequate fire exits, rodents, lead-based paint hazards, and no heat, hot water, electricity or gas. Most Class C violations must be corrected within 24 hours. Lead-based paint violations allow 21 days.

If a Class C condition isn’t fixed, HPD can send its own contractor to make emergency repairs and bill the owner, with a lien on the property if it isn’t paid.

Always go by your notice

The Notice of Violation lists the exact correct-by and certify-by dates for each violation. Those dates control, not the general rules above.

What happens if you don’t certify

An uncertified violation stays open on the building’s public record. That can lead to civil penalties in Housing Court, and open violations can complicate sales, refinancing and rent increases.

Official source: HPD: Clear violations. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency.