How to Clear Your HPD Records to Qualify for Rent Increases
FREE CONSULTATION Call us now at (718) 514-7900 For NYC landlords, the path to a rent increase is often blocked...
Learn More
For NYC landlords, the path to a rent increase is often blocked not by a lack of capital, but by a “dirty” record with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). In 2026, the rules for qualifying for the Maximum Base Rent (MBR) program and other rent increases remain strict. If your building’s HPD portal shows open violations, your application for an increase is effectively dead on arrival. At Flatrate Eviction Attorney, we help landlords clean up these digital “paper trails.” Here is your detailed guide on how to scrub your HPD records and unlock your property’s income potential.
Key Takeaways
To qualify for an MBR increase, HCR (Homes and Community Renewal) checks HPD’s database. You must meet the following criteria as of January 1st of the year you apply:
The 2026 Warning: HPD records are now updated in real-time on the NYC Open Data portal. If you wait until the last minute, an inspector’s delay in closing a ticket can cost you an entire cycle of rent increases.
Log in to the HPD Building, Registration & Violation Portal. You need to look for “Open” status violations. Pay close attention to the Violation Class:
If you fixed a problem recently and are still within the Certification Period (the timeframe listed on the notice), use the HPD eCertification system.
What if you fixed a leaky faucet in 2022, but it’s still showing as “Open”? Since the certification period has passed, eCertification won’t work. You must file a Dismissal Request (DR).
Lead paint violations (Class C) are the most common reason rent increases are denied. In 2026, HPD requires “Order 618/621” compliance documentation.
The biggest mistake landlords make is thinking that doing the work is the same as clearing the record.
Clearing HPD records is a bureaucratic maze. At Flatrate Eviction Attorney, we act as your administrative “fixers” to ensure your building qualifies for its maximum legal rent.
Don’t let a $50 repair block a $5,000 rent increase.
Visit us at flatrateevictionny.com and let’s get your HPD record clean.
Can I clear violations if I haven’t updated my Property Registration this year?
No. HPD will not process any eCertifications or Dismissal Requests unless your building is currently and validly registered. You must file your Annual Property Registration statement and pay the required fee first; otherwise, the system will effectively “lock you out” from clearing any violations.
What is the “70-Day Rule” for HPD certifications?
Once you submit a Certification of Correction, HPD has 70 days to inspect the property and verify the repair. If they do not conduct an inspection within that window, the violation is legally “Deemed Corrected” and closed automatically. This is why certifying early is crucial—you may get the “win” simply because the city is too busy to send an inspector.
Does a “Pending” status on the HPD portal count toward my 80/100 clearance?
Generally, no. For MBR (Maximum Base Rent) increases, HCR looks for violations that are officially “Closed.” A “Pending” status means you’ve certified it, but the 70-day window hasn’t closed, or an inspection is still needed. To be safe, you should aim to have your violations moved to “Closed” status well before the January 1st deadline.
Can I postpone a correction date if I’m waiting on parts or a contractor?
Yes, for certain Class B (Hazardous) violations, you can request a one-time postponement. You must file the request before the original correction deadline and provide a valid reason, such as backordered materials or extreme weather. However, Class C (Immediately Hazardous) violations almost never qualify for postponements due to safety risks.
What happens if an inspector finds new violations during a Dismissal Request visit?
This is the “landlord’s risk.” When you pay for a Dismissal Request inspection to clear old tickets, the inspector is legally required to record any new hazards they see. If your building isn’t currently up to code, a single DR inspection intended to clear five old violations could accidentally result in ten new ones, setting your rent increase goal back even further.
Our experts regularly author articles and create other forms of publication and commentary on important legal matters and policy developments. Here are some of the latest publications from our legal experts.
