Free NYC Home Inspections Expanded

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 for homeowners, small landlords and small business owners across the five boroughs. The city said the program is meant to help owners identify maintenance and safety issues before they draw violations or escalate into larger repairs. This year's program runs from June 1 through July 10, according to the mayor's office. The administration said the 2026 version expands the list of eligible inspections to include gas piping systems and sidewalk vaults for the first time. ### Which properties and building systems are covered this year? The Department of Buildings said owners can request inspections of decks and patios, retaining walls, facades on buildings under six stories, boilers, gas piping systems, unregistered private elevator devices, sidewalk vaults and business signs. The city described the visits as visual inspections paired with guidance on repairs, permits, maintenance needs and safety requirements. The mayor's office said the additions of gas piping systems and sidewalk vaults mark the latest expansion of a program the department has operated since 2005. Earlier versions had already added facades, boilers, private elevators and business signs in stages over the past several years, according to prior department releases. ### How do owners sign up, and what happens during the visit? New York City said property owners can request an inspection by calling 311. The city said inspectors will review the requested condition or equipment and then provide recommendations and resources if they identify problems. Ahmed Tigani said in the city's announcement that the department wants to help owners address issues before they become emergencies or enforcement cases. The administration said inspectors will not issue penalties as part of these requested visits under the program. ### Who is the city trying to reach with the program? June 1 marked the start of National Homeownership Month, and the Mamdani administration tied the inspection push to a broader affordability message for small property owners. The mayor's office said the effort is intended to reduce costs for homeowners and preserve homeownership by helping owners keep up with maintenance. Zohran Mamdani said in the announcement that the city is trying to make government "a partner, not a punisher" for homeowners seeking help with upkeep and compliance. The administration said the program is available citywide to homeowners, small landlords and small business owners. ### Is this a new program or an expansion of an older one? The Department of Buildings said the No-Penalty Inspection Program has been in place since 2005. In a June 10, 2024 release, the department said the seasonal program had returned with free inspections for homeowners, business owners and small landlords, continuing a long-running summer initiative. A 2023 department release described that year's additions of facade, boiler and private elevator inspections as the largest expansion to date. The 2026 announcement builds on that structure by adding gas piping systems and sidewalk vaults, according to the mayor's office. ### How does this connect to other homeowner enforcement policies? The Department of Buildings separately launched a Homeowner Relief Program in 2021 for eligible owners of one- and two-family homes. Under that program, the department said some owners with no DOB violations at the property in the prior five years can receive a request for corrective action instead of an OATH summons when inspectors find certain unlawful conditions. The inspection program announced on June 1 is distinct from that relief track. The current initiative is voluntary and begins with an owner requesting a free inspection through 311 rather than responding to an enforcement action already underway. ### What should property owners watch next? July 10 is the last day listed by the city to schedule a free inspection under the 2026 program. The mayor's office and Department of Buildings said owners who want a visit this season should arrange it through 311 while the program window remains open.