Check the NYC Certificate of Occupancy Before Renting

Before renting an unusual unit, check the building record. This is most useful for basement, cellar, attic, and converted-space listings, because the CO is the record that states legal use and occupancy. A building generally cannot be occupied until a CO or Temporary CO is issued.

Older CO records may be in BIS, while newer records use DOB NOW. The Find Building Data page can also show permits, violations, complaints, occupancy details, and compliance records.

A renter does not need to become a code expert. Compare the advertised apartment with DOB records before money changes hands.

Keep the dated DOB lookup with the apartment listing, proposed lease, and any occupancy record that raised the question.

Save the New York City address, Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary CO, lookup date, and DOB record number before signing or paying. Keep any Department of Buildings answer with the advertised apartment information.