What Buyers Should Check in a Lobby Before Closing
For buyers and their agents, the lobby is a free preview of how a building is run. Missing or outdated signs won't kill a deal, but they're a quick clue about what else might need attention. Here's what to look for on a showing.
The quick answer
In short: Before closing, check that the lobby has a current registration sign, super sign and inspection frame, a full notice wall, floor numbers, close the door signs on stair doors and, if any unit is stabilized, the rent stabilized notice. Then look up the building on HPD Online for open violations.
The 8 checks
- 1Registration signDoes the number match HPD's record? See registration signs.
- 2Super signIs the name current? Call the number. Does it work? See super sign rules.
- 3Inspection frameAt the mailboxes, 48 to 62 inches high, with the card inside.
- 4Notice wallGas leak, smoke and CO, fire safety, housing guide. See the checklist.
- 5Floor numbersOn each floor you walk through.
- 6Stair doorsRed close the door signs on the hallway side, doors closing on their own.
- 7Rent stabilized noticeRequired if any unit is stabilized. See the guide.
- 8Hallways and exitsClear of storage. See hallway storage rules.
Then check HPD Online
Signs tell you what's on the surface. HPD Online tells you what's on the record: open violations, complaints, litigation and registration status. Five minutes there before an offer can save a lot of surprises. See our HPD Online guide.
Sign gaps found during due diligence? We can quote a full replacement set for closing day. Get a quote
What the signs tell you
A good sign the owner or manager keeps up with small things.
Management may have changed, or nobody's updated anything in years.
Ask about open violations and look closely at other systems too.
For co-op and condo buyers
The same signs apply. Co-op and condo boards are responsible for common area compliance, and the board registers the building with HPD. See required signs for co-ops and condos.
What this looks like in practice
Say an agent shows a 10 unit building in Astoria. The lobby has a super sign with a name the current tenants don't recognize, no inspection frame and no floor numbers above the second floor. HPD Online shows four open violations, all sign related. The buyer asks the seller to fix and certify them before closing, or to credit the cost. Small issue, easy negotiation.
Official sources: HPD Online, HPD Required Signage.
Quick answers
What should buyers check in a NYC building lobby?
The registration sign, super sign, inspection frame, notice wall, floor numbers, stair door signs and rent stabilized notice if needed.
Are missing signs a deal breaker?
Rarely. They're cheap to fix, but they can point to other gaps worth asking about.
Who fixes violations found before closing?
That's negotiable between buyer and seller. After closing, the new owner is responsible. See your first 30 days.
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.