Why it matters
Why check before you close.
DOB states that violations are public, show up in title searches, and that open violations can prevent an owner from selling or refinancing. Open violations and open applications also have to be cleared before DOB will issue a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy.
If you’re buying, it’s worth knowing that existing violations generally stay with the property. Your attorney can tell you how the contract handles them.
Where to look
The records, system by system.
No single NYC database shows everything. These are the main public sources:
| System | What it shows | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| DOB NOW Public Portal | Filings made in DOB NOW, civil penalties owed, Certificates of Occupancy, and newer DOB safety violations | Search by address, BBL, BIN or job number. Older filings aren’t here. |
| BIS (Buildings Information System) | Older job filings, 311 complaints, most DOB violations and OATH (formerly ECB) violations | Still essential. DOB says BIS data is being kept until everything moves to DOB NOW. |
| OATH Summons Finder | Summonses with hearing dates, results, penalties owed and payments | Search by name, address or summons number. |
| CityPay (ECB) | Balances due on OATH/ECB summonses | Useful for confirming what’s actually owed. |
| HPD Online | Housing Maintenance Code complaints and violations, registration, litigation | Mainly relevant for residential buildings. |
| FDNY Business | Fire Department violations and summonses | Basic search is public; full details need an NYC.ID login. |
| DOT sidewalk violations | Sidewalk defect violations | No public online search; request status through 311. |
Want someone to run the full search for you? Send us the address and we’ll walk you through what we find.
Call (929) 367-0962Step by step
A due-diligence checklist.
Search DOB NOW and BIS
Look the property up in both. BIS still holds most DOB violations, OATH/ECB violations and complaints; DOB NOW holds newer filings and safety violations.
Check OATH for penalties
Use the OATH Summons Finder or CityPay to see hearing results and any unpaid balances. Unpaid penalties can lead to judgments and collection.
Check HPD, FDNY and DOT
For residential buildings, check HPD Online. Then look for fire and sidewalk violations.
Review open jobs and the CO
Look for applications that were never signed off and compare the Certificate of Occupancy to how the building is actually used.
List what needs action
Sort findings into what must be resolved before closing and what can wait. That list is what your attorney and lender will want.
Reading the results
DOB violation vs. OATH summons.
The two look similar in the records but work differently:
| DOB violation | OATH summons (formerly ECB) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A notice of non-compliance with an order to correct | A summons heard by OATH, the city’s administrative tribunal |
| Hearing | None | Yes: by phone, online, by mail or in person |
| Penalty | Some carry DOB civil penalties | Penalties set by the DOB penalty schedule; much higher if the hearing is missed |
| How it closes | Correct the condition and submit proof to DOB | Dismissed at the hearing, or resolved through a Certificate of Correction |
Questions
Frequently asked.
Is there one place to see every violation on a NYC property?
No. DOB, OATH, HPD, FDNY and DOT keep separate records, and DOB itself is split between BIS and DOB NOW for now. That’s why a full check covers several systems.
Do violations transfer to the new owner?
Generally, yes: they’re tied to the property. How they’re handled at closing depends on your contract, so talk to your attorney.
What does an asterisk next to a DOB violation mean?
DOB marks dismissed violations with an asterisk in its records.
Sources
Official sources.
- DOB NOW Public Portal FAQs
- DOB: What is a DOB violation?
- DOB: What is an OATH summons?
- OATH: Case status and Summons Finder
- HPD Online
- FDNY Business: violations
- NYC DOT: sidewalk violations
General information about New York City procedures, last reviewed November 2026. Amounts and rules change and every property is different, so this isn’t legal advice. Call us about your specific situation.