The 6 x 9 Inspection Frame: Height and Placement Rules
It's the smallest item on the list, but the inspection frame is the one with the most specific rules. It has to hold a certain size card, sit at a certain height and be in a certain spot. Get those three things right and you are done.
What is the inspection frame?
In short: It's a frame that holds the 6 x 9 inch Certificate of Inspection Visits card. Multiple Dwelling Law Section 329 requires the card within view of where mail is delivered. HPD's rules put the bottom edge of the frame 48 to 62 inches above the floor, at or near the mailboxes.
Inspectors use the card inside to record their visits to the building. The frame protects the card and keeps it in a predictable place so any inspector can find it.
The 3 rules
- 1Size: fits a 6 x 9 inch cardThe card goes inside the frame. A frame that's too small, or a card taped to the wall, doesn't cut it.
- 2Height: 48 to 62 inchesMeasured from the floor. That keeps it at a comfortable reading height for most adults.
- 3Location: at or near the mailboxesIf there are no mailboxes in the vestibule, use a suitable spot in the vestibule or entrance that is easy to reach.
Our frame fits the standard card and comes ready to mount. Order the inspection frame, $35
How to mount it right
- Measure from the floor, not the mailboxes.
Mark 48 and 62 inches with a pencil. The bottom edge of the frame should sit inside that zone.
- Keep it close to the mailboxes.
Next to the mailbox bank is ideal. Across the lobby is not "near."
- Leave it easy to reach.
Inspectors need to get to the card. Don't block it with a bench or plant.
Want to see how the frame fits with everything else? Our lobby placement guide has a diagram with the height zone marked.
Common mistakes
The top three we see: frames mounted way above the mailboxes where nobody can reach them, frames hidden around a corner or behind the front door, and the card missing from the frame entirely. If the card is lost, contact HPD about a replacement and keep the frame in place.
Another one: owners who remodel the lobby and move the mailboxes but forget the frame. If the mailboxes move, the frame moves with them.
What this looks like in practice
Say a co-op redoes its lobby with tall new mailboxes that reach almost 6 feet, and the contractor mounts the inspection frame right above them at about 72 inches because it looks neat. It looks fine, but it sits well outside the 48 to 62 inch range. Moving it beside the mailboxes, centered at about 55 inches, takes ten minutes.
The lesson: whenever the lobby changes, check the frame. Mailboxes, benches and new doors are the usual reasons a frame ends up in the wrong place.
Frame vs notices: what goes where
The frame has one of the strictest height rules, so mount it first and arrange the rest around it. The registration sign and super sign usually go near the entrance, and the safety notices go on one common wall at eye level. Our lobby placement guide has a diagram that puts it all together.
Who needs one?
Every multiple dwelling, meaning any building with 3 or more apartments. That includes 3 family houses, co-ops and condos. A 1 or 2 family home doesn't need one.
Quick answers
Where do I get the inspection card itself?
The card comes from HPD. The owner provides the frame. If your card is missing, contact HPD.
Can the frame go inside the mailbox area behind a locked door?
It should be in a spot inspectors can reach. If the mailboxes are behind a locked door, put it in an easy to reach spot in the vestibule or entrance.
Does it have to be exactly at 48 inches?
No. Anywhere in the 48 to 62 inch range works. Many owners aim for the middle, around 55 inches.
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.