A short list of NYC DOB Certificates.
In New York City building rules, “certificates” are important official documents from the Department of Buildings (DOB*). Homeowners and landlords usually deal with a few main certificates, and the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is the most important one because it tells you how you can legally use the building and how many people can be inside. This entry gives a short overview of the main NYC DOB certificates and links you to more detailed explanations in our Dictionary.
Certificate of Occupancy
A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is an official document from the NYC Department of Buildings that states the legal use, occupancy classification, and maximum number of people allowed in a building. New buildings must have a CO, and an existing building must have a current or amended CO when work changes its use, exits, or type of occupancy. You usually need a valid CO when you buy, sell, refinance, or legally rent out the property. In New York City, a CO normally stays valid for the building and is not re‑issued every time the owner changes, but changing the CO itself can be a long and complex process. An expeditor can help you and your design professional understand if your project requires a new or amended CO and can guide the filing and approval process with DOB*
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)
This is short‑term document that allows occupancy when the building is safe to occupy but some work, inspections, or paperwork are still pending; typically issued for limited periods (e.g., 90 days) and must be renewed or converted to a final CO.
Certificate of Compliance
Issued by DOB for certain equipment (for example some mechanical or fire‑related systems) confirming it complies with code and can be legally operated; often needed to clear FDNY or DOB violations related to that equipment.
Elevator Certificate
Elevator Certificates / inspection cards – Proof that building elevators have passed required inspections and are allowed to operate; these must be kept and displayed where required (often in or near the elevator).
Boiler Certificate
Boiler inspection certificates / maintenance cards – Show that required boiler inspections and maintenance have been performed; these are commonly posted in boiler rooms or other mechanical spaces in multi‑family or commercial buildings.
Other certificates
Can be issued by HPD rather than DOB. Items like inspection visit cards or exterminator notices are often framed together with DOB‑related elevator and boiler certificates in lobbies or mechanical areas. Visually they look like as part of the same “certificate”.
Each certificate has a specific purpose, rules, and expiration or update requirements, so always check the details and ask a design professional or expeditor if you are not sure.
Related terms
Some glossary entries use an asterisk * at the end of the term (for example, violation* or permit*). This mark is only a technical tool on this website. It does not change the meaning of the word.
- CO*
- TCO
- Boiler Certificate
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Certificate of Compliance,
- Certificate of Correction
- Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
- Elevator Certificate,
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