A Super's Guide to Keeping Lobby Signs Up to Date
Supers are the reason most buildings stay compliant. You walk the lobby every day, you notice when something's missing, and you're the one tenants call. This guide is for you: a simple routine that keeps every sign current without adding hours to your week.
The quick answer
In short: Glance at the lobby wall weekly, check floors and stairs monthly, inspect door notices and alarms at every turnover, and walk the whole building with the checklist twice a year. Any time a name, phone number or key holder changes, tell the office the same day so new signs get ordered.
The weekly glance
As you walk through the lobby, look at the notice wall. Is every sign still there? Clean? Readable? Is the inspection frame still holding its card? Two minutes once a week catches most problems early.
The monthly check
- 1Floor numbersOn every floor, at the stairs and elevator. See floor number rules.
- 2Stair doorsRed close the door signs in place, and every stair door closes on its own.
- 3Boiler roomThe key notice is on the door and lists the right person.
- 4Hallways and exitsNothing stored in halls, stairs or on fire escapes. See hallway storage rules.
At every turnover
The fire safety notice inside the apartment door, between 4 and 5.5 feet high.
Test smoke and CO alarms, and note the date.
Window guards installed where needed. See window guard rules.
Knob covers if the new tenant asks or has a child under 6.
Need a sign replaced fast? Most are ready in 2 business days. Call or text 718-701-1980. Shop required signs
When something changes
If you're the new super, the first thing to check is the superintendent sign. Your name, address, apartment and phone must be on it. The same goes for the registration sign and the boiler key notice if you hold the key. Tell the office right away so they can order new signs.
Twice a year: the full walk
Take the complete checklist and walk from the front door to the roof. Photograph the lobby wall, the stair doors and the boiler room door. Send the photos to the office. If an inspector ever asks when something was fixed, those photos are your proof.
What this looks like in practice
Say a super covers two walk ups on the same block. Every Monday, a quick look at each lobby. First of the month, a walk through the stairs with a flashlight. When a tenant moves out, the turnover list goes on a clipboard by the door. When the boiler service company changes who holds the spare key, a text goes to the office that afternoon. Neither building has had a sign violation in years.
Tips for supers
- Keep spares.
A spare super sign and a few floor numbers in the basement save a lot of trouble.
- Use the right mounting.
Screws on brick. Registration and super signs must be screwed or bolted, even on marble. See our mounting guide.
- Know the inspection basics.
Official sources: HPD Required Signage, FDNY 3 RCNY 401-06.
Quick answers
How often should a super check lobby signs?
A quick look weekly, a deeper check monthly and a full walk through twice a year.
What should a new super check first?
The superintendent sign, the registration sign and the boiler key notice, since they usually list the super.
Who orders replacement signs?
Usually the owner or management office. Supers flag what's needed, ideally with a photo.
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.