As NYC’s heating season begins, every building’s boiler becomes one of its most important, and closely regulated, systems. Keeping it in top shape isn’t just about comfort. It’s about safety, efficiency, and compliance.
For condo and co-op boards, understanding the city’s boiler inspection requirements can prevent costly fines and last-minute stress once the temperature drops.
Here’s what to know — and how Daisy helps make the process seamless.
NYC boiler inspection requirements for 2025
Under Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations, all buildings with boilers used for heat or hot water must undergo:
- An annual inspection by a licensed boiler inspector.
- A triennial combustion efficiency test (for certain boiler types).
The annual inspection must be completed and filed by December 31, 2025. After each inspection, your management company or contractor must submit results electronically through the DOB’s Boiler Inspection Portal. If a defect is found, it must be corrected and a BO-13 “Affirmation of Correction” filed within 180 days.
High-pressure vs. low-pressure boilers: what’s the difference?
NYC classifies boilers based on the pressure they operate under:
- Low-pressure boilers (most residential buildings):
- Provide heat or domestic hot water.
- Require one inspection per year, filed by December 31.
- High-pressure boilers (found in larger or mixed-use properties):
- Require two inspections per year.
- Each inspection report must be submitted within 14 days of completion.
If you’re not sure which type your building has, your property manager or superintendent can confirm.
What happens if your building misses the deadline
DOB fines can add up quickly:
- $50 per boiler per month for late filings.
- Higher penalties for missed inspections or uncorrected defects.
Even minor administrative delays can become expensive. That’s why automated scheduling and proactive coordination are key to staying ahead.
Getting ready before heating season
While the inspection deadline falls at the end of the year, the best time to prepare is early fall — before heating systems are working at full capacity.
Your management team will typically:
- Schedule inspections ahead of heating season.
- Review the boiler’s maintenance history and service logs.
- Test controls, safety valves, and thermostats.
- Confirm water quality and pressure.
- Coordinate with vendors for any needed repairs before the first cold snap.
Many buildings wait until it’s cold to test their heat — but by then, appointments and filings can already be backlogged.
For a refresher on when NYC officially starts heating season and how the process works, check out our guide to NYC heating rules.
How Daisy helps
At Daisy, boiler inspections don’t get added to a to-do list, the compliance and maintenance work is automatically scheduled the moment a building onboards to Daisy.
Our compliance system tracks every requirement — from annual boiler inspections to triennial combustion tests — ensuring each is completed and filed on time. Our team coordinates directly with licensed inspectors, manages submissions, and keeps all records digitally organized for easy reference.
That means no missed deadlines, no last-minute scrambles, and no uncertainty about what’s due next. We also integrate boiler maintenance and inspection costs into each building’s annual budget, giving boards a clear view of their financial obligations and long-term maintenance planning.
Why proactive maintenance matters
Routine boiler care does more than keep your building compliant — it keeps it efficient, safe, and financially healthy.
- Well-maintained systems use less fuel and reduce emissions.
- Small issues caught early prevent costly breakdowns mid-winter.
- Ongoing maintenance supports smoother Local Law 97 compliance and energy tracking.
As we outlined in our guide to avoiding deferred maintenance, staying ahead of repairs protects both your reserves and residents’ comfort.
