If violation exists, the only way to remove it is a Certificate of Correction.
No, a Certificate of Correction is not the only way to remove a NYC DOB violation—while it’s the primary method for many Class A/B/C cases, alternatives include dismissals, cures without hearings, OATH hearings, or stipulations depending on violation class and circumstances.
It is the official proof that the unsafe or non‑compliant condition has been fixed and accepted by the agency. Once approved, it changes the status of the violation from “open” to “corrected” or “dismissed,” and in many cases stops daily or continuing civil penalties from running. In practice, that makes it just as important as doing the repair itself, because without the certificate, the system still “sees” the violation as unresolved.
DOB violations (OATH / ECB summons)
For DOB violations, the Certificate of Correction is submitted online through DOB NOW, after the underlying condition has been corrected and any required permits have been properly signed off. Homeowners or their representatives must complete and notarize the appropriate forms (such as AEU2, AEU3321 for site-safety training issues, and AEU20 for detailed statements) and upload them with proof like photos, invoices, and permit documents. The DOB Administrative Enforcement Unit reviews the submission and sends email updates; the violation will only stop generating continuing penalties once the Certificate of Correction is actually approved, not just filed.
HPD housing violations
For HPD violations, owners can certify correction online through HPD’s eCertification system or by mailing in the proper certification forms. The owner must give specific details, such as the violation number, date of correction, and—if applicable—licensed contractor information, matching what you define in your “corrections” dictionary entry. HPD may audit certifications and reinspect; if they find the condition was not truly corrected, they can mark it as a false certification, keep the violation open, and impose additional penalties or enhanced enforcement.
Why timing matters for homeowners
Homeowners should treat any Notice of Violation (NOV), especially Class 1 or “immediately hazardous” violations, as urgent. Civil penalties for ignoring or delaying can climb into the tens of thousands of dollars, and for some DOB violations the maximum exposure can reach about $25,000 or more once daily penalties and hearing outcomes are added. From a practical point of view, the clock keeps ticking until the city accepts the correction and issues or records the Certificate of Correction—simply doing the work, or even just attending a hearing, is not enough.
Practical steps for NYC homeowners
To “deal with it” effectively, a NYC homeowner should:
Follow up: Monitor online status, respond promptly if the agency asks for more information, and keep copies of the approved Certificate of Correction for future sales, refinancing, or insurance questions.Obtaining a certificate of correction in New York City is generally a straightforward process, but it requires following the proper procedures and submitting the necessary documentation. Here are the key points regarding certificates of correction in NYC:
Act quickly: Read the NOV, note the violation class and correction/inspection deadlines, and schedule necessary work immediately.
Fix the condition correctly: Use licensed professionals where required, pull and close permits if DOB rules demand it, and document the entire process with photos and paperwork.
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