NYC Apartment Due Diligence Checklist

Building History

• Check HPD violations at hpdonline.nyc.gov — any Class C (immediately hazardous)?
• Search 311 complaints for the address — patterns of heat, pests, noise?
• Check DOB for building violations and active permits
• Look up building age and construction type on ACRIS
• Search bedbug registry (bedbugregistry.com) for reports

Neighborhood Safety

• Check NYPD crime data for the precinct (CompStat reports)
• Search for recent shootings in the area (NYC Open Data)
• Look up 311 complaints within 500m — noise, rats, graffiti

Landlord Research

• Look up owner name on ACRIS — is it an LLC or individual?
• Search landlord name + "complaints" or "lawsuit" online
• Check if building is on any "worst landlords" lists
• Look for reviews on Openigloo, Google, or ApartmentRatings

Rent & Legal Status

• Is building rent stabilized? (Built pre-1974 with 6+ units)
• Check if building has 421-a or J-51 tax benefits (DOF records)
• Compare asking rent to recent rentals in the area (StreetEasy)

Inside the Apartment

• Test all faucets — water pressure and hot water wait time
• Check under sinks for leaks, mold, or pest droppings
• Open cabinets and check for roach traps or evidence of pests
• Test all light switches and electrical outlets
• Check windows — do they open/close properly? Any drafts?
• Inspect walls and ceilings for cracks, water damage, or fresh paint (hiding issues)
• Test phone signal in each room
• Check closet and storage space
• Look at outlet placement — enough for your needs?
• Check if appliances are included and their condition

Bathroom Specific

• Flush toilet — proper pressure and no running?
• Check shower/tub for mold or mildew
• Look for exhaust fan — does it work?
• Check grout condition around tub/shower

Building Common Areas

• Check hallway cleanliness — trash, smells, condition
• Test elevator if applicable
• Check mailbox setup and security
• Look at front door lock system — buzzer, key fob, doorman?
• Observe garbage/recycling area condition
• Check laundry room (if building has one)
• Note any posted notices from management or HPD

Noise Check

• Stand quietly for 2 minutes — what do you hear? Street noise? Neighbors?
• If possible, visit at different times (morning, evening, weekend)
• Ask which walls are shared with neighbors
• Check proximity to bars, clubs, or construction sites

Building & Management

• How long has current management been in place?
• What's the typical response time for maintenance requests?
• Is there a super? On-site or just on-call?
• What's the protocol for emergencies (flooding, no heat)?

The Apartment

• Why did the previous tenant leave?
• How long has the apartment been vacant?
• What was the previous rent? (Helps identify overcharges)
• What work was done between tenants?
• Is the apartment rent stabilized?

Practical Details

• What utilities are included? (Heat, hot water, gas, electric)
• What's the internet situation? (Fiber available? Which providers?)
• Package delivery — where do packages go?
• Bike storage available?
• Pet policy if applicable
• Any planned construction or building work?

Red Flag Responses

Be wary if the landlord:

• Pressures you to sign immediately ("other applicants waiting")
• Refuses to answer questions about building history
• Asks for cash payment or wire transfer for deposit
• Won't provide their full legal name or building owner info
• Discourages you from reading the lease carefully

Lease Review

• Read the entire lease — every page, every clause
• Verify the rent amount matches what was discussed
• Check move-in costs: first month, last month, security deposit, broker fee
• Confirm lease start and end dates
• Look for any unusual clauses (restrictions on guests, penalties)
• If rent stabilized, verify the rider is attached

Documentation

• Get everything in writing — verbal promises mean nothing
• Document existing damage before move-in (photos with timestamps)
• Get receipt for all payments (security deposit, first month)
• Keep copies of all signed documents

Final Verification

• Verify landlord identity — is this person actually the owner/authorized agent?
• Confirm apartment address matches lease exactly
• Verify any promised repairs will be done before move-in (get in writing)