Or risk a stiff penalty: You can’t collect a rent increase or even apply for one until you file. 

The DHCR won't let you increase the rent of your rent-controlled apartments if there are serious code violations at your building.

The Department of Buildings has brought back its annual No-Penalty Inspection Program for summer 2025. The program offers penalty-free safety inspections to small landlords across New York City. For 2025, the program runs from May 19 through June 30, a shift from prior years when it ran from late June through July.