Home Inspection Program Offers Free NYC Checks

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani on June 1 launched New York City's annual No-Penalty Inspection Program, offering free visual inspections and repair guidance for homeowners and small property owners. The city said the program will run from June 1 through July 10. By calling 311, owners can request an inspection and get advice on repairs, permits, safety requirements and maintenance needs. City officials said the inspections are intended to help owners address problems before they draw penalties or become more expensive emergencies. ### Who can ask the city for one of these inspections? New York City said homeowners and small property owners are eligible for the program, which is run by the Department of Buildings. The city described the effort as part of National Homeownership Month and said it is aimed at residents who may need help identifying repairs or understanding building requirements. (nyc.gov) The Department of Buildings has run versions of the no-penalty program for years. A 2025 department release said the program had reached its 20th year and was available to homeowners, small business owners and small landlords citywide. ### What exactly will inspectors look at? The Mayor's Office said the inspections can cover decks and patios, retaining walls, facades on buildings under six stories, boilers, gas piping systems, unregistered private elevator devices, sidewalk vaults and business signs. (nyc.gov) The city said 2026 is the first year gas piping systems and sidewalk vaults have been added to the program. (nyc.gov) Gas piping inspections are a notable addition because the Department of Buildings separately requires periodic inspections for gas piping systems in most buildings other than one- and two-family homes and certain smaller residential occupancies. The department's gas piping inspection page says those systems must be inspected at least once every four years by a Licensed Master Plumber or a qualified worker employed by one. (nyc.gov) ### Will owners get fined if inspectors find a problem? The Department of Buildings said inspections conducted through the program do not result in immediate enforcement action. A 2025 department release said that if inspectors find violating conditions or safety issues, they do not immediately issue violations carrying penalties and instead discuss the findings with the owner and provide guidance on corrective steps. (nyc.gov) The NYC311 description of the program says that, for a limited time, if the department finds violating conditions, it may not issue violations with penalties and may instead give owners guidance and a chance to make corrective safety repairs. ### Why is the city promoting the program now? June 1 marked the start of National Homeownership Month, and the Mamdani administration tied the inspection push to a broader housing agenda. (nyc.gov) The Mayor's Office said the program is meant to reduce costs for homeowners, prevent small maintenance issues from becoming expensive emergencies and help New Yorkers preserve homeownership. (portal.311.nyc.gov) Mayor Mamdani said in the announcement that homeowners too often hear from government only after something has gone wrong and a fine is coming. Ahmed Tigani, the buildings commissioner, said the program is meant to give owners "straightforward, expert guidance" and help them navigate repairs and regulations. ### How do owners sign up, and what happens next? (nyc.gov) The city said owners can call 311 to request an inspection. During the appointment, a Department of Buildings inspector provides visual review and guidance on repairs, legal requirements and next steps, according to the city. July 10 is the deadline listed by the Mayor's Office for the 2026 program. (nyc.gov) After that date, owners would need to use the city's regular buildings enforcement and compliance channels, while boiler and gas-system compliance deadlines continue under separate Department of Buildings rules.