NYC’s free inspections for homeowners and small landlords aim to encourage the improvement of the city’s aging housing stock.
Maryland’s housing challenges are complex and will require long-term, multifaceted solutions. One promising model worth considering is New York City’s free inspection program for homeowners and small landlords—an approach that could be replicated in jurisdictions with similarly aging housing stock. NYC’s Department of Buildings (DOB) has relaunched its annual No-Penalty Inspection Program, running from May 19 through June 30, 2025. The initiative allows homeowners, small landlords, and small business owners to schedule free building inspections without the risk of immediate fines.
The program is designed to help property owners identify safety issues and comply with building codes, a critical need in a city where roughly 75% of buildings were constructed before 1960. During inspections, DOB officials provide expert advice on necessary repairs and guidance on meeting legal requirements, addressing areas such as decks, patios, retaining walls, facades of buildings under six stories, business signs, unregistered boilers, and private elevator devices. The DOB notes that the program not only improves neighborhood safety but also helps property owners save money by catching problems early—before they become more serious and expensive to fix.
