How to Report Housing Violations in NYC
Filing a housing complaint is one of the most effective tools NYC tenants have. HPD is legally required to inspect after a complaint. This guide walks through the process — from first complaint to Housing Court if necessary.
Informational only — not legal advice.
The Reporting Process: Step by Step
Notify your landlord in writing first
Before filing with the city, send your landlord a written notice (email or text creates a timestamp; certified letter creates a legal record) describing the condition and requesting repair. This creates documentation if the matter progresses to Housing Court. Keep a copy.
File a complaint with NYC 311
If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time (or for immediately hazardous conditions, immediately), file via:
- Online: portal.311.nyc.gov — select "Apartment Maintenance" then the specific condition
- Phone: call 311 (24/7)
- App: NYC 311 mobile app (iOS and Android)
Your complaint generates an HPD service request. Keep the request number — you'll need it to track the complaint.
Track the complaint via HPD Online
Search your building's complaint and violation history at hpdonline.nyc.gov. You can see whether HPD has inspected, whether a violation was issued, and its current status.
If violations are not corrected: Housing Court (HP Action)
If the landlord fails to correct open violations within the required timeframe, you can file an HP action in NYC Housing Court to compel repairs. Filing is free. Forms are available at the Housing Court Help Center (located at 111 Centre Street, Manhattan, and each borough courthouse). NYC's Right to Counsel programme provides free attorneys for income-eligible tenants in Housing Court.
For current filing procedures and Right to Counsel eligibility, see the NYC Housing Court website.
What to Say When Filing a Complaint
The more specific your complaint, the more effective the HPD inspection. Use these terms when filing — they correspond to specific HPD complaint categories:
| Condition | Select in 311 |
|---|---|
| Rodents | Apartment Maintenance → Rodents |
| Cockroaches | Apartment Maintenance → Vermin/Roaches |
| Bed Bugs | Apartment Maintenance → Bed Bugs |
| Mold | Apartment Maintenance → Mold |
| No heat | Heat/Hot Water → No Heat |
| No hot water | Heat/Hot Water → No Hot Water |
Other Reporting Channels
DOHMH (rodent/environmental)
For outdoor rodent conditions, restaurant pest issues, or environmental health complaints, report directly to NYC DOHMH via 311 selecting "Rodent" (not "Apartment Maintenance").
FDNY (fire/CO)
For non-emergency fire code violations (obstructed fire escapes, missing smoke/CO detectors), report via 311 selecting "Fire Safety." For any CO leak or fire emergency, call 911 immediately.
NYC Lead Poisoning Prevention
For suspected lead paint hazards, especially where a child has an elevated blood lead level, contact NYC DOHMH Lead Poisoning Prevention. A blood lead test requires a doctor's order.
NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
For structural hazards (crumbling ceilings, collapsing walls, unsafe construction), report to NYC DOB via 311 selecting "Buildings" or use the DOB NOW system.