As a property owner in Manhattan, getting an HPD Violation 623 notice can feel like a punch in the gut. It’s overwhelming and, quite frankly, an extremely serious lead paint violation that’s issued by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Is it daunting to receive one? Absolutely.
Is it difficult to understand what this violation means, why it happens, and how you can resolve it? No.
Here’s everything you need to know about Violation 623 in Manhattan so you can steer clear of hefty fines, legal troubles, and headaches down the line.
What is Violation 623?
Violation 623, also referred to as an audit violation, is issued when HPD inspects your property and finds out that you haven’t obtained the necessary lead paint turnover documentation. This indicates to the authorities that you haven’t followed Local Law 1, which sets strict standards for lead paint safety during tenant turnovers.
Older buildings, especially those built before 1960, are more commonly affected by this violation. This is because lead paint is widely found in such constructions.
How Does this Violation Happen?
There are several situations that can trigger this.
Most commonly, property owners fail to provide all the necessary turnover paperwork when HPD asks for it. The HPD requires you to keep a detailed record of any inspections, abatement work, and clearance tests to show that your property is safe for new tenants to move in.
Other times, you can get a violation during an HPD audit.
HPD routinely checks residential buildings to ensure that landlords are complying with local lead laws. So, simply put, if your documents aren’t in order, you’re likely to receive a Violation 623 notice.
If your tenants happen to complain to the higher-ups about peeling paint, you might even end up getting a notice if HPD uncovers issues in documentation or neglected maintenance.
Why You Can’t Ignore This Violation
You might be tempted to simply ignore the notice. Wrong move.
The consequences of ignoring a Violation 623 are serious and go far beyond a one-time fine. Financially, there’s an initial $1,500 penalty for each violation, but that’s just the start.
These fines can accumulate daily until the problem is fully resolved. Delays mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars added to your bill every day.
Legal issues aren’t too far behind either.
If the violations are timely addressed, HPD is liable to take landlords to court and even mandate emergency repairs at the owner’s expense. You could be prohibited from renting the building, which can significantly disrupt your income.
Beyond that, outstanding violations can lower your property value and make it less attractive to buyers or investors.
What You Need to Resolve a Violation 623
To fix this, you need to start by providing complete documentation, including certified lead inspection reports, records of any abatement or remediation work done, and final clearance testing results showing lead dust levels are safe.
You’ll also need to show that tenants were properly notified about lead hazards and any work performed. These records must be detailed and thorough; missing even one piece can delay the resolution.
Getting a Violation 623 Resolved
Once you receive a Violation 623 notice, time is of the essence.
The first step is to bring in an EPA-certified lead inspector to assess the situation. You typically have 30 days to address the issue, so time is not on your side.
Next, gather and review all your records related to lead paint in the affected unit or building.
If inspections or testing weren’t performed or if you can’t find the reports, you’ll need to arrange for comprehensive testing of all friction surfaces, such as doors and windows. This testing must be done by certified professionals using approved equipment.
If lead hazards are confirmed, you’ll have to work with certified contractors to carry out proper abatement or remediation.
Once the work is complete, final clearance testing is needed to make sure the space is safe for occupancy.
After that, you need to compile and submit all documentation to HPD. Don’t forget to follow up with the department to confirm that your paperwork was received and that your case is moving forward.
Common Mistakes Property Owners Make
Many property owners unintentionally make the situation worse.
A frequent mistake is submitting incomplete paperwork, which can halt the entire resolution process.
Others try to cut costs by hiring uncertified contractors or skipping proper testing, which HPD won’t accept and may even penalize further.
Some owners underestimate how thorough testing needs to be.
It’s not enough to check only visible problem areas; all friction surfaces must be inspected regardless of their current condition. Another costly error is simply waiting too long. Every day you delay means additional penalties and potential legal trouble.
Avoiding Violations in the Future
The best way to deal with a Violation 623? Prevent it altogether.
This means taking a proactive approach by conducting lead testing before every tenant turnover and keeping clear, organized records of all inspections and remediation work.
Regular maintenance is equally important; peeling or chipping paint should be addressed right away.
It also helps to build strong relationships with EPA-certified inspectors and contractors, so you have trusted professionals ready when you need them.
Keeping an open line of communication with tenants is another simple but powerful preventive measure. When tenants know they should report issues immediately, you can respond before they become bigger problems.
As a property owner in Manhattan, getting an HPD Violation 623 notice can feel like a punch in the gut. It’s overwhelming and, quite frankly, an extremely serious lead paint violation that’s issued by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Also Read: What Does an EPA Certified Lead Paint Inspector Do?
Take Action Now
If you’ve received a Violation 623 in Manhattan, don’t wait.
The longer you delay, the more complicated and expensive it becomes.
Acting quickly, working with qualified professionals, and submitting proper documentation are the keys to resolving the violation efficiently and protecting your investment.
At Manhattan Lead, we specialize in guiding property owners like you through the entire compliance process, from start to finish. Our EPA-certified team understands exactly what HPD requires and can help you resolve violations without unnecessary stress or delays.
Don’t let a Violation 623 put your property or tenants at risk. Visit Manhattan Lead today to connect with experts who can help you get back on track and keep your building safe and compliant for years to come.
