Code: Complaint (Building problem report)
Description: (Complaint) is a report to a city agency, such as DOB or HPD, about a possible unsafe condition, illegal construction, improper building use, or housing problem. A complaint is not itself a violation, but it may lead to an agency inspection and, if a problem is found, a violation or other enforcement action.
Practical Meaning: A tenant, neighbor, owner, or another person may report a building problem through 311 or another city reporting channel. If a complaint concerns your property, check the reported condition and follow the complaint status; the agency may investigate before deciding whether enforcement is needed.
Where You May See It: You may see a complaint number, reported condition, and status in DOB’s Buildings Information System (BIS). Reports submitted through 311 also have a Service Request number that you can use to check their status through 311 Online.
Why It Matters: A complaint may lead to an inspection and, if a violation is found, required repairs, penalties, or other enforcement action. Review any resulting notice carefully for required actions and deadlines; a complaint alone does not establish that you violated a rule.