The inspections
Inspections and tests.
DOB says elevators must be inspected and tested twice annually. A contracted inspection agency does these on the Department’s behalf, usually unannounced, and owners must give inspectors access. If access is refused, the inspector posts a notice with rescheduling instructions.
Separate from that, owners must hire an approved, DOB-licensed independent agency to perform and witness the periodic category tests:
| Test | What it is | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 (Cat-1) | No-load safety test | Performed between January 1 and December 31 each year |
| Category 3 (Cat-3) | Test for water hydraulic elevators only | Every three years from installation |
| Category 5 (Cat-5) | Test with rated load and speed | Every five years from the date of installation |
DOB points to NYC Building Code Chapter 14, Appendix K, Table N1 for the full list of inspection and test intervals.
Deadlines
Filing and correction deadlines.
| What | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Category inspection and test reports | Within 60 calendar days of the inspection date |
| Correcting defects | Within 120 days of the inspection date |
| Affirmation of Correction | Within 60 days of the correction date |
| DOB violations | Correct within 10 calendar days, then notify DOB |
| PVT/DOB violations | Correct within 30 days of the violation date, then submit an Affirmation of Correction |
| Class 1 (Failure to Maintain) conditions | Correct immediately; DOB must re-inspect before the elevator returns to public use |
DOB’s page doesn’t list penalty amounts. It does warn that owners who fail to correct DOB violations may face criminal court.
Got an elevator violation or a report deadline coming up? Call us and we’ll sort out the filings.
Call (929) 367-0962Everything else
Maintenance and permits.
- Keep a current maintenance contract with an approved elevator agency, and keep the agency’s name, address and phone number readily accessible
- Maintenance should follow a Maintenance Control Program (MCP), with a log of dates and work kept on site
- Permits are required for all elevator work. They are applied for in DOB NOW: Build by a NYC licensed Elevator Director or a registered design professional
- For modernization, post notices at least ten business days before work starts, and keep the work permit posted until sign-off
- In multiple dwellings, tell residents about planned outages, including any outage of two hours or more
- Make the inspection certificate available to occupants, in the cab or at the management office
Questions
Frequently asked.
Who can perform the category tests?
Approved independent third-party agencies that DOB licenses perform and witness them. You hire the agency.
What happens if a defect is found?
Defects must be corrected within 120 days of the inspection, and an Affirmation of Correction filed within 60 days of the correction date. Class 1 conditions have to be corrected immediately.
Do I need a permit to repair or replace elevator parts?
DOB says permits are required for all elevator work, applied for by a NYC licensed Elevator Director or registered design professional.
Sources
Official sources.
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.