Illegal Conversion — Visible Evidence of Unpermitted Apartments

Construction · NYC DOB / HPD · NYC Admin Code §28-105; HPD Illegal Conversion Protocol

Illegal Conversion — Visible Evidence of Unpermitted Apartments is enforced by NYC DOB / HPD under NYC Admin Code §28-105; HPD Illegal Conversion Protocol. Severity default: High.

The rule

Illegal subdivision of apartments — separate mailboxes, multiple doorbells per floor, or basement windows fitted as bedrooms — may be reported to DOB and HPD. Visible external changes often accompany unpermitted conversions.

What to photograph

multiple utility meters or mailboxes added for single-family row house
basement windows converted to bedroom-sized openings at sidewalk level
excessive doorbells or unit numbers inconsistent with certificate of occupancy

How to file a complaint

Photograph the site, permit signage (or absence), and hazard.
Capture job number from shed permit if posted.
File at 311 under Construction, Scaffold Safety, or General Construction.
Mark whether pedestrians are forced into traffic.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOB / HPD.

Penalties & fines

DOB violations carry civil penalties from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars; imminent hazards can trigger Stop Work Orders.

What happens after you file

DOB inspectors respond to safety complaints. Missing permits or after-hours work can result in immediate enforcement and work stoppage.

This rule is in our public reference corpus for SEO and training. In-app classification is not enabled yet — file via 311 using the steps above.

Related guides

FAQ

Can I file anonymously?

311 requires contact information for follow-up. Your identity is not shared with the violator. SidewalkSnitch requires phone verification for filings but does not auto-submit to 311.

Does SidewalkSnitch submit this to 311 automatically?

This rule category is reference-only in SidewalkSnitch today. File directly at 311.nyc.gov or call 311.

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