Program will help homeowners and small property owners identify needed repairs, avoid costly violations and keep buildings safe at no cost
Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Ahmed Tigani kicked off the City’s No-Penalty Inspection Program, giving homeowners and small property owners access to free visual inspections of their buildings and expert guidance from June 1 through July 10.
As New York City marks National Homeownership Month, the initiative is part of the Mamdani administration’s broader effort to reduce costs for homeowners, prevent small maintenance issues from becoming expensive emergencies and help New Yorkers preserve one of the most important sources of stability and wealth available to working families.
By calling 311, property owners can schedule a free inspection and receive guidance on repairs, safety requirements, permits and maintenance needs. When issues are identified, DOB inspectors will provide recommendations and resources to help property owners address them before penalties are incurred.
The program builds on the Mamdani administration’s efforts to support homeowners and strengthen pathways to homeownership. Through Block by Block, the administration’s housing plan, New York City is expanding programs that help residents stay in their homes, make needed repairs and protect themselves from predatory practices, including the City’s first Mayor’s Office to Prevent Deed Theft, an enhanced HomeFix program and a new Mortgage Assistance Program.
“Too often, homeowners only hear from government when something has gone wrong and a fine is already on the way,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We’re working to elevate programs that have long existed, and this one is about making city government a partner, not a punisher. By providing free inspections and expert guidance, we’re helping New Yorkers keep their homes safe, avoid unnecessary costs, and protect one of the most important investments they will ever make.”
“Whether you’re a first-time or a longtime homeowner, it can be hard to keep up with required maintenance and make improvements. Our administration is here to help, thanks to DOB staff across the city who will provide expert guidance to property owners without risk of penalty,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.
“At the Department of Buildings we know that dealing with building repairs and regulations can sometimes feel stressful or complicated, which is why initiatives like our No Penalty Inspection Program are designed to give New Yorkers straightforward, expert guidance in a respectful and transparent way,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “DOB is working every day to make it easier for owners to properly maintain their properties and navigate the building process with confidence. Before hiring a construction professional, give us a call first and let our team provide you free expert guidance on your next home repair project.”
“For property owners already struggling with high insurance and utility costs, these free inspections offer a unique opportunity to assess the state of their properties without the fear of large fines or penalties,” said Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy. “As we work with owners to reduce barriers to needed repairs, we hope they will take advantage of this program. Not only do free, no-penalty inspections reduce stress and costs for owners, they also help keep New Yorkers safe in their homes.”
The No-Penalty Inspection Program provides expert advice for New Yorkers to determine whether their properties are in good condition and plan repairs, if necessary. During the scheduled inspections, DOB staff can discuss any additional building concerns property owners have and direct them to additional assistance from DOB or other City agencies. If inspectors do find violations, they will give homeowners guidance on how to correct them before any penalties are incurred.
Through this program, DOB inspectors can examine:
- Decks and patios
- Retaining walls
- Facades for buildings under six stories
- Boilers
- Gas piping systems
- Unregistered private elevator devices
- Sidewalk vaults
- Business signs
In an effort to expand the program to benefit even more people, this year marks the first time that inspections of sidewalk vaults and gas piping systems have been included.
New Yorkers can schedule an inspection by calling 311, which will connect them with the appropriate DOB unit to arrange a field visit.
The Department of Buildings has operated the No-Penalty Inspection Program since 2005. Over the past two decades, the Department has conducted thousands of free inspections across the five boroughs, helping homeowners and small business owners identify maintenance issues, improve safety and avoid unnecessary costs.
