How to Look Up Your Building on HPD Online
HPD Online is the city's free window into every residential building in NYC. In a couple of minutes, you can see open violations, tenant complaints, registration status and more. If you own, manage or are buying a building, it's the first place to look.
The quick answer
In short: Go to HPD Online, type the building's address and pick it from the list. You'll see complaints and violations, property registration, charges and litigation, block and lot information and any vacate orders.
What each section shows
- 1ViolationsOpen and closed violations by class A, B or C, with dates. Sign violations show up here too. See common sign violations.
- 2ComplaintsWhat tenants reported through 311, and when. Useful for spotting patterns.
- 3RegistrationOwner and managing agent on file, and whether the annual registration is current.
- 4Charges and litigationEmergency repair charges and Housing Court cases involving the building.
- 5Building info and vacate ordersBlock, lot, building class and any active vacate orders.
How to search, step by step
Open hpdonline.nyc.gov on a computer or phone.
Type the street address. Include the borough if the street name is common.
Pick your building from the results. Corner buildings may show under more than one address.
Open each tab and note anything open. HPD's user guide explains every screen.
Found a sign violation? Most required signs are ready in 2 business days. Shop required signs
Where to find your registration number
The registration section shows your building's HPD registration number. That's the number that goes on your registration number sign and on the rent stabilized notice. Copy it exactly before ordering either sign.
When to check it
- Before you buy.
Open violations and litigation tell you a lot about a building's history.
- After every inspection.
New violations usually appear within days. See what happens during an inspection.
- After you certify.
Confirm each violation shows as certified. Our certification guide explains the steps.
What this looks like in practice
Say you're about to close on a 12 unit building in Ridgewood. A five minute search shows three open sign violations: no floor numbers, an old super sign and a missing inspection frame. That's easy to fix and good to know before closing. You order the signs, mount them the week you take over and certify the corrections right away.
Official sources: HPD: About HPD Online, HPD Online user guide.
Quick answers
Is HPD Online free?
Yes. Anyone can search any residential building for free.
Can tenants see my building's violations?
Yes. HPD Online is public, so tenants, buyers and lenders can all see it.
Where do I see my HPD registration number?
In the registration section of your building's HPD Online page. See the checklist for signs that use it.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.