NYC is seeing a meaningful shift in how building violations are issued and enforced. Boards that have coasted on inconsistent inspections or long grace periods are facing tighter oversight and higher penalties, and that trend is continuing into 2026.
A recent analysis from ViolationWatch reviewed 250 multifamily buildings across the city and found more than $1 billion in violation penalties this year alone. While this is a sample set, not a citywide total, the pattern is clear: enforcement is increasing, and the cost of falling behind is rising with it.
For boards, understanding where violations are showing up - and why - is the first step toward avoiding costly surprises.
The compliance areas most likely to trigger violations in 2026
Several categories showed notable year-over-year increases, especially in older buildings and those with deferred maintenance:
- Façade and exterior issues — One of the fastest-growing violation categories, with many buildings cited for conditions connected to upcoming or overdue Local Law 11 cycles.
- Elevator and mechanical violations — Increased significantly, often tied to missed inspections, aging equipment, or documentation errors.
- Fire safety and FDNY-related issues — A major share of total violations, including expired permits, overdue testing, and incomplete recordkeeping.
- HPD housing-code violations — The largest category overall, driven by unresolved leaks, mold conditions, pests, and heating outages.
- Overdue filings — Among the most common citation types, reflecting stricter enforcement on paperwork and compliance cycles.
These trends mirror what we see across many NYC buildings: when documentation, inspections, or small repairs fall behind, enforcement follows quickly.
Work Without a Permit is becoming a major violation driver
DOB has been issuing more Work Without a Permit (WWP) violations, and the increase is noticeable across both condo and co-op buildings. Many of these violations come from “small” in-unit projects residents assume don’t need approvals, such as plumbing adjustments, electrical updates, door replacements, or interior layout modifications.
Because the building is always named in a WWP violation, these issues quickly become the board’s responsibility.
Common triggers include:
- Contractors beginning work before filing permits
- Residents performing DIY projects beyond their scope
- Missing documentation or sign-offs after work is completed
WWP violations are costly, time-consuming, and can stall other building projects. Boards can reduce exposure by having a clear review process for in-unit renovations and communicating proactively with residents about what does, and doesn’t, require a permit.
Older buildings and deferred maintenance are feeling the impact
ViolationWatch’s dataset showed that buildings built before 1940 saw substantially higher violation counts than newer properties. These structures typically have more aging infrastructure, outdated components, and larger capital needs — all of which increase the likelihood of enforcement.
Boards that delay repairs often face a compounding effect:
- Small issues turn into larger code violations.
- Unsafe facade conditions trigger higher civil penalties under LL11.
- Aging elevator components lead to shutdowns and violations.
- Fire safety issues escalate quickly if testing lapses.
Proactive maintenance is one of the most reliable ways to keep violations (and future costs) down. Check out our guide on how to avoid deferred maintenance.
Stricter penalties for overdue filings
DOB and HPD are issuing violations for late filings more consistently than in past years. Missing or delayed submissions — from boiler inspections to cooling tower reports — can now trigger immediate fines without long warning windows.
For boards, staying ahead of these recurring deadlines is just as important as addressing physical repairs. Daisy’s compliance system automatically tracks and schedules filing deadlines for every building we manage, which prevents avoidable penalties before they appear.
Violations are contributing to higher insurance costs
NYC insurance premiums have risen dramatically in recent years, and violations often make the situation worse. They signal higher risk to carriers. Buildings with ongoing façade, fire safety, or mechanical violations may face steeper increases at renewal or more restrictive policy terms.
A cleaner violation profile creates a stronger position when buildings negotiate coverage. Our article on rising insurance costs for condo and co-op buildings breaks down why this trend matters.
How boards can get ahead of 2026
1. Start with a compliance and violation audit
Ask your management team to review:
- Open and historical violations
- Upcoming filing deadlines
- Expired or missing permits
- Local Law inspection cycles
- HPD, DOB, and FDNY items needing attention
This creates a clear baseline for prioritizing repairs and paperwork.
2. Strengthen your compliance calendar
A reliable compliance calendar should include:
- All annual and periodic filings
- Scheduled inspections across all agencies
- Permit expiration dates
- Vendor COI renewal dates
- Boiler and cooling tower deadlines
At Daisy, when we onboard a new building, we automatically schedule all the compliance tasks for the year. All the inspections, vendor coordination, paperwork filing happens automatically. So nothing falls through the cracks, and buildings don't get any late filing penalties.
3. Prioritize the highest-risk categories early
Based on 2025 trends, boards should focus on:
- Façade and exterior conditions
- Mechanical and life-safety systems
- Boiler and elevator testing schedules
- Local Law 11, LL152, and FDNY safety filings
4. Communicate clearly with owners
If compliance work or repairs will require higher monthly fees or assessments, share the reasoning early. Transparency helps owners understand the stakes and reduces pushback.
Check out our guides on communicating increases in monthly fees or assessments.
5. Treat reserves as part of your compliance strategy
Strong reserves give a building the flexibility to respond quickly to violations or mandated repairs.
2026 budgets should account for:
- Near-term repairs
- Longer-term capital projects
- Compliance-driven upgrades
- Potential enforcement changes
If your board is planning ahead for next year, our guide on reserve fund planning is a helpful resource.
The bottom line
NYC’s enforcement landscape is changing, and buildings that take a proactive, organized approach will feel the benefits in 2026. With clear planning, strong compliance habits, and steady communication, boards can avoid costly violations and keep their building running smoothly.
Getting ahead isn’t about reacting to fines. It’s about creating a more predictable, financially stable year for your community. Reach out to us if you'd like to learn more about how Daisy helps buildings stay ahead of compliance issues, and keep your building running well now and in the future.
