Waking up to an HPD envelope in your mailbox is never fun, especially when you find out you’ve been issued a Violation 623. Before you start calculating how many coffees you’ll need to skip to afford this, let’s break down exactly what you’re looking at in terms of fines, penalties, and, more importantly, how to make it all go away.
Violations 623 in Manhattan can typically cost you around $1,500 per unit, and that’s just the beginning. Understanding what you’re dealing with is half the battle, and there are ways to handle this without breaking the bank. Let’s see how!
What Is a Violation 623?
Before we get into how much the fine will cost you, let’s understand what a Violation 623 really is.
In simple terms, a Violation 623 is when you’ve failed to get the proper lead paint turnover documentation for your building.
It’s what’s called a turnover violation, and it specifically applies when:
- A tenant moved into your unit within the last 10 years
- You can’t produce the required lead documentation during an HPD inspection
- Your building was constructed before 1960 (when lead paint was commonly used)
The only catch? This violation is issued per unit. So if you’ve got a 10-unit building and HPD finds problems across multiple apartments, you’re looking at multiple violations.
How Much is a Violation 623 Fine?
If you fail to comply with a 623 violation, you end up paying $1,500 per violation. That is, a flat $1,500 for every unit that has not had proper lead paint documentation.
But, unfortunately, that’s not the only fine you’ll be hit with.
When it comes to HPD violations, daily penalties add up – and boy, do they add up fast! For certain violations, you could be looking at penalties of $350 to $1,250 per day for initial violations and $500 to $1,500 per day for subsequent ones. While this doesn’t necessarily apply to a Violation 623, the possibility is always there.
Additionally, if, for any reason, false certifications are presented, you could be looking at a fine between $1,000 and $3,000. So, it’s always best to steer clear of fabricating your documents!
Why Violations 623 Are Getting More Strict?
If this isn’t the first time you’ve received a Violation 623, you’re probably wondering why the lead paint enforcement seems to have gotten a lot more aggressive lately.
There are a couple of reasons for this:
1. Stricter Enforcement Timelines
As of August 2025, property owners are required to provide XRF lead testing records whenever a lead-based paint hazard or turnover violation is issued. This means documentation requirements are getting tighter.
2. False Certification Crackdowns
False certifications may result in future certifications not being deemed compliant without an inspection attempt beginning in January 2025 for buildings with a significant number of false certifications in 2024.
It’s a slippery slope from here.
3. Increased Audit Activity
If your building has been audited by HPD, you need to submit records within 45 days. HPD is conducting more audits, catching more violations, and property owners who can’t produce proper documentation are getting hit with fines.
Also Read: Top 5 Violations That Trigger a Local Law 31 Lead Paint Inspection
Can You Minimize the Damage if You’ve Been Issued a Violation 623?
You’ve gotten a Violation 623, and you’re probably bummed out. Understandable. But, there’s no point in crying over spilled milk.
Here are some immediate actions you can take to limit the damage:
1. Act Quickly
Property owners can request to postpone the correction date. However, it’s important to follow the instructions included in the Notice of Violation to the T. Make sure not to ignore the deadline and communicate with HPD if you need more time.
2. Get Professional Help
Trying to handle a lead paint violation is risky business, especially since it can lead to rejected certifications and additional penalties. Handling lead paint violations requires expertise – best to let the experts handle this one!
3. Document Everything
We can’t stress this enough, but when it comes to any legal paperwork, documentation is everything. With a Violations 623 in Manhattan, it’s important to keep detailed records of any work that’s been performed, any communications with the HPD, and steps taken to address the violation.
In case disputes arise in the future, you’ll be equipped with all the right documents to handle it.
4. Address Root Causes
When it comes to a Violation 623, sure, fixing the immediate violation is your primary concern. However, make sure you don’t forget to implement systems to prevent future problems. Proper documentation and procedures for tenant turnovers can save thousands in future fines.
Navigating Your Way Through an HPD Violation 623
A Violation 623 for lead paint is a wake-up call about the importance of proper lead paint compliance in Manhattan. With enforcement getting stricter, you need to take a proactive approach to save money and headaches in the long run.
When you’re ready to address lead paint compliance properly and avoid costly violations, Manhattan Lead can help! Our team understands the specific challenges of Violations 623 in Manhattan, and we do this all the time.
Don’t let lead paint violations drain your profits! Contact us for professional guidance!
