Registering a property with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is essential for certain NYC property owners, especially those with multi-unit buildings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the registration process.

Step 1: Determine If Registration Is Required

HPD Registration

• Who Needs to Register: All residential building owners in NYC who own buildings with three or more rental units or one- and two-family homes that are not owner-occupied.
• Annual Requirement: HPD requires these building owners to register annually.

DHCR Registration

• Who Needs to Register: Property owners who own rent-regulated properties (e.g., rent-stabilized or rent-controlled apartments).
• Annual Requirement: DHCR registration is required each year to maintain compliance and ensure correct rent levels are reported.

Step 2: Collect Required Information

For both HPD and DHCR registrations, you’ll need the following information about your property and ownership:

• Owner’s name and contact information
• Managing agent’s name and contact information (if applicable)
• Property address and borough-block-lot (BBL) information
• Occupancy details (number of units, whether units are rent-regulated, etc.)

Step 3: Registering with HPD

1. Access the HPD Online Property Registration Form:
   • Visit the HPD Online Property Registration website.
   • Click on the property registration section to start the process.
2. Complete the Property Registration Form:
   • Fill in all required information about the building, owner, and property manager.
   • Indicate whether the property has a managing agent (mandatory if you do not live on the property).
3. Print and Notarize the Form:
   • After completing the form online, print it out.
   • The registration form needs to be signed and notarized by the owner and the managing agent (if applicable).
4. Mail the Completed Form:
   • Mail the notarized form to the address provided on the form instructions. Once processed, HPD will update your building’s status in their database.
5. Keep Records Updated:
   • Any changes in ownership, property manager, or managing agent need to be updated with HPD as soon as possible.

Step 4: Registering with DHCR

1. Access the DHCR Online Rent Registration System:
   • Visit the NYC Rent Registration website.
   • Log in or create an account to access the online services for owners of rent-regulated buildings.
2. Complete the Annual Rent Registration Form (RR-2) Online:
   • Input details for each rent-regulated unit, including the current tenants, rent charges, and any adjustments made.
   • This form ensures that the DHCR has the most recent information regarding the rent levels for each unit.
3. Submit the Registration Form:
   • Once completed, submit the registration form online. Be sure to double-check the accuracy of all entries before submission.
4. Mail Tenant Copies:
   • As required by law, provide each rent-regulated tenant with a copy of their unit’s registration (RR-2A) to ensure they are informed of the registered rent for their apartment.

Step 5: Verify Registration Status

After submitting the forms to HPD and DHCR, it’s good practice to verify your registration status:

• For HPD: Use the HPD Property Registration Search tool to confirm your property registration has been processed.
• For DHCR: Log into your DHCR account to check that all units have been correctly registered and that your information is up-to-date.

Step 6: Renew Annually

Both HPD and DHCR registrations must be renewed each year:

• HPD: HPD’s registration period typically begins in July, and forms must be submitted by August 31 to avoid penalties.
• DHCR: DHCR’s annual registration forms are due by July 31 each year.

Step 7: Retain Copies for Your Records

Make sure to keep copies of all submitted forms and tenant notifications. These records may be required during inspections or audits and can help resolve any future disputes or compliance questions.

By following these steps, you can stay compliant with NYC’s property registration requirements, which helps you avoid fines and keeps you in good standing with city regulations.