Open violations are a window into a building's condition — and its owner's willingness to deal. A property with a stack of DOB and ECB violations often belongs to an owner who is stretched thin.
The Department of Buildings issues DOB violations for code and safety issues; the Environmental Control Board (now OATH) issues ECB violations, which carry monetary penalties. Both are public, recorded against the property's BBL, and accumulate when an owner defers repairs or ignores notices.
Open violations point to deferred maintenance, operational strain, or simple neglect — all signals of an owner who may be ready to exit. A high violation count alongside liens and maturing debt is one of the strongest distress profiles you can find. It also tells you what you'd be taking on: violations are a condition checklist before you ever walk the building.
Crezly maps violation counts to each property and its owner, so you can screen a whole portfolio for condition and pressure at once. Pull the owner record to see everything they hold, then skip trace the owner to open a conversation.
Where do building violations come from?
DOB violations from the NYC Department of Buildings and ECB violations from OATH/ECB, both via NYC Open Data, refreshed daily.
Do violations transfer to a new owner?
Yes — open violations and any associated penalties generally stay with the property, which is why buyers screen them before closing.
Can violations help me find motivated sellers?
They are a strong stress signal. Combined with maturing debt or liens, a heavy violation load flags owners most likely to consider an off-market sale.