Print

Know Your Rights

Tenants have many rights relating to the safety and the quality of their housing. DOB works with other City agencies to protect these rights by preventing harassment, displacement, and promoting safety through permitted work.

Unpermitted work is construction on a building that doesn’t have the necessary permits to make it legal in compliance with City codes, laws and resolutions. Before you lease and apartment, you should verify the building can be legally occupied as presented by the owner. Research the history of the building, including violations and permits, and check that required safety measures are present. You can research building information on the Department's Buildings Information System (BIS) and the DOB NOW Public Portal.

Permit Posting Checklist

If the construction work in your building is permitted, then

  • The permits must be prominently posted in the lobby
  • The Safe Construction Bill of Rights must be posted in the lobby and within 10 feet of each stairwell or elevator bank
  • If a TPP is required, the TPP Notice must be prominently posted in the lobby and within 10 feet of each stairwell or elevator bank
  • The permit will include a description of the permitted work - look to see if the work taking place is in accordance with the description on the permit
  • The permit will have the licensed contractor’s/professional’s name.

Additional Resources