Just Bought a Building in NYC? Your First 30 Days of Compliance
Congratulations on the building. Now the paperwork starts. The first month of ownership is when most compliance gaps get created, usually because the old owner's information is still everywhere. Here's a simple 30 day plan to get it right from the start.
The quick answer
In short: In your first 30 days, update your HPD registration, check HPD Online for open violations, walk the building with a sign checklist, replace every sign that shows the old owner or super, certify any open violations you fix, and tell tenants who to contact.
Days 1 to 5: register
HPD asks owners to update registration when ownership changes, and address or managing agent changes are due within 5 days. Log in to HPD's Property Registration Online System, register under your name and your managing agent, print and sign the form, and mail it. The full steps are in our HPD registration guide and on HPD's Register Your Property page.
Week 1: look it up
Search the building on HPD Online. Write down every open violation, complaint and any litigation. Open violations stay with the building, so they're now yours. Our HPD Online guide explains each section.
Week 2: walk the building
- 1EntranceOld registration sign and super sign? They both need replacing.
- 2Lobby noticesGas leak, smoke and CO, fire safety, housing guide and garbage.
- 3Stairs and floorsFloor numbers and close the door signs on every floor.
- 4BasementBoiler key notice on the door, with the new key holder.
- 5ApartmentsFire safety notice on each door as units turn over.
New owners can order a complete set in one go, ready in 2 business days. Ask for a new owner sign set
Week 3: fix and certify
Mount the new signs, take dated photos and certify any open sign violations with HPD. Remember, fixing alone doesn't close a violation. See our certification guide.
Week 4: tell your tenants
Who the new owner, manager and super are, and how to reach them 24/7.
Your smoking policy and any house rules.
Plan for January's window guard and stove knob notices.
What this looks like in practice
Picture a first time buyer closing on a 6 unit building in Bushwick. Day 3, the registration goes in. Day 6, HPD Online shows two open violations: no floor numbers and an outdated super sign. Day 10, the full sign set is ordered. Day 14, everything's mounted and both violations are certified online. By day 30, every tenant has a letter with the new contacts.
Tips for new owners
- Ask for the old owner's records.
Window guard notices, alarm logs and stove knob forms help you pick up where they left off.
- Check for rent stabilized units.
If there are any, post the rent stabilized notice.
- Bookmark the checklist.
Our complete checklist covers every required sign.
Official sources: HPD: Register Your Property, HPD Online, HPD: Property Owner Responsibilities.
Quick answers
What should I do first after buying a NYC building?
Update your HPD registration as soon as you close. Address and managing agent changes are due within 5 days.
Do open violations transfer to the new owner?
Violations stay with the building, so the new owner is responsible for correcting and certifying them.
Do I need new signs after buying a building?
Usually yes. Any sign with the old owner, registration details or super needs replacing.
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.