Receiving a notice from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) can be a stressful experience for any landlord or property manager. In 2026, the city has significantly increased its oversight, even launching a “Certification Watchlist” to crack down on improper repairs.
If an inspector finds mold in your building, you are now on a strict legal clock. You cannot simply wipe the wall and move on; you must follow a specific process to “cure” the violation and avoid mounting daily fines.
Here is your step-by-step playbook for handling an HPD mold violation correctly.
1. Identify Your Violation Class and Deadline
As soon as you receive the notice (or see it on the HPD Online portal), check the “Class.” This tells you how much time you have to fix the issue:
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Class B (Hazardous): You have 30 days to correct the mold and certify the repair.
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Class C (Immediately Hazardous): Typically issued for mold larger than 30 square feet. You must begin work within 24 hours and have the entire issue remediated and certified within 21 days.
2. Fix the “Underlying Defect” First
HPD will not dismiss a violation if the moisture source is still present. Under Local Law 55, you are legally required to identify and repair the “underlying defect” (the leak or ventilation issue) at the same time you remove the mold.
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Common culprits: Leaky steam risers, roof leaks, or failing grout in a neighbor’s shower.
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Proof of Repair: Save your plumber’s or roofer’s invoices. You may need them to prove the root cause was addressed.
3. Use NYC Safe Work Practices
For any mold remediation in NYC, you must follow specific “Safe Work Practices.”
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Small Jobs (< 10 sq ft): Can be done by trained building staff using HEPA vacuums and dust suppression.
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Large Jobs (> 10 sq ft): New York State law requires you to hire two separate companies: a Licensed Mold Assessor to create a plan and a Licensed Mold Remediator to do the work.
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Prohibited Methods: Never use dry scraping or sandblasting. In 2026, HPD is strictly auditing “false certifications” where mold was simply painted over without proper cleaning.
4. File the “Certification of Correction”
Once the work is finished, you must notify the HPD. This is the only way to stop the violation from becoming a permanent (and expensive) mark on your building’s record.
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The Forms: Depending on your building size and the violation class, you will need to submit specific affidavits (like Form AF-7 or AF-8).
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eCertification: Most non-lead violations can be certified online through the HPD portal, which is faster and provides an immediate receipt.
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Documentation: Be prepared to upload before-and-after photos, contractor licenses, and clearance reports.
5. Prepare for the 70-Day Audit
After you certify the correction, the tenant will receive a notice from HPD. They have the right to dispute your certification.
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The Audit Period: HPD typically has 70 days to conduct a random re-inspection. If an inspector returns and finds mold or lingering moisture, your certification will be deemed “False,” which can lead to criminal penalties and placement on the HPD Watchlist.
How Choice Mold Removal NYC Can Help
We specialize in helping NYC property owners clear their records. We provide the licensed remediation services, the required affidavits, and the professional “clearance” documentation that HPD agents look for.
Don’t let an HPD violation lead to court dates and heavy fines. Contact Choice Mold Removal NYC today at (212) 381-6196 for a plan to clear your building’s record.