Owners get a break on home fix-ups
The city is offering a money-saving new window for owners of one-family and two-family homes: A 60-day grace period to fix code violations and avoid fines.
The Department of Buildings announced the launch of its first-ever Homeowner Relief Program, intended to give owners an extended chance to repair any issues found by its inspectors rather than face immediate summonses and financial penalties.
“Simply issuing punishing fines to those who can least afford them is hardly the best outcome for achieving compliance,” said Buildings Commissioner Melanie La Rocca. “I am proud to announce these new initiatives designed to help small homeowners get their properties up to code and avoid fines.”
According to DOB, the new approach covers all New York City owners of one- and two-family homes who have not received a department violation in the last five years and to owners who just purchased their properties.
Those eligible can avoid immediate summonses by fixing the cited issues within the 60-day window.
Non-safety violations cited by inspectors, rather than drawing an immediate fine, will now be shared with the homeowner along with an expanded opportunity for property owners to demonstrate the problems were repaired.
Owners will not be eligible if the city finds violating conditions related to illegal conversions or a confirmed injury or death, the city agency added.
The department will additionally launch a new program specifically to assist new owners of buildings and condominiums.
Under the plan, the new owners will also receive a letter from DOB detailing a number of issues: Outstanding summonses and how to resolve them, notice of any required periodic inspection of the homes, and directions for working with the agency if the owner opts to do any construction work on the residence.