Page 26 - The Indian EYE 061226

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 12, 2026 | The Indian Eye 26

Mayor Mamdani Marks National

Homeownership Month with

Free Home Inspection Initiative

Program will help homeowners and small property owners identify needed repairs,

avoid costly violations and keep buildings safe at no cost

OUR BUREAU
NEW YORK, NY

ayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and De-
partment of Buildings (DOB) Commis-
Msioner Ahmed Tigani kicked off the City’s
No-Penalty Inspection Program, giving homeown-
ers and small property owners access to free visual
inspections of their buildings and expert guidance
from June 1 through July 10.
As New York City marks National Homeown-
ership Month, the initiative is part of the Mamdani
administration’s broader effort to reduce costs for
homeowners, prevent small maintenance issues
from becoming expensive emergencies and help
New Yorkers preserve one of the most important
sources of stability and wealth available to working
families.
By calling 311, property owners can schedule
a free inspection and receive guidance on repairs,
safety requirements, permits and maintenance
needs. When issues are identified, DOB inspectors said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and inspections, DOB staff can discuss any additional
will provide recommendations and resources to Planning. building concerns property owners have and direct
help property owners address them before penal- “At the Department of Buildings we know that them to additional assistance from DOB or other
ties are incurred. dealing with building repairs and regulations can City agencies. If inspectors do find violations, they
The program builds on the Mamdani admin- sometimes feel stressful or complicated, which is will give homeowners guidance on how to correct
istration’s efforts to support homeowners and why initiatives like our No Penalty Inspection Pro- them before any penalties are incurred.
strengthen pathways to homeownership. Through gram are designed to give New Yorkers straight- Through this program, DOB inspectors can
Block by Block, the administration’s housing plan, forward, expert guidance in a respectful and trans- examine:
New York City is expanding programs that help parent way,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed • Decks and patios
residents stay in their homes, make needed repairs Tigani. “DOB is working every day to make it easi- • Retaining walls
and protect themselves from predatory practices, er for owners to properly maintain their properties • Facades for buildings under six stories
including the City’s first Mayor’s Office to Prevent and navigate the building process with confidence. • Boilers
Deed Theft, an enhanced HomeFix program and Before hiring a construction professional, give us a • Gas piping systems
a new Mortgage Assistance Program. call first and let our team provide you free expert • Unregistered private elevator devices
“Too often, homeowners only hear from gov- guidance on your next home repair project.” • Sidewalk vaults
ernment when something has gone wrong and a “For property owners already struggling with • Business signs
fine is already on the way,” said Mayor Mamdani. high insurance and utility costs, these free inspec- In an effort to expand the program to benefit
“We’re working to elevate programs that have long tions offer a unique opportunity to assess the state even more people, this year marks the first time
existed, and this one is about making city govern- of their properties without the fear of large fines that inspections of sidewalk vaults and gas piping
ment a partner, not a punisher. By providing free or penalties,” said Housing Preservation and De- systems have been included.
inspections and expert guidance, we’re helping velopment (HPD) Commissioner Dina Levy. “As New Yorkers can schedule an inspection by
New Yorkers keep their homes safe, avoid unnec- we work with owners to reduce barriers to needed calling 311, which will connect them with the ap-
essary costs, and protect one of the most important repairs, we hope they will take advantage of this propriate DOB unit to arrange a field visit.
investments they will ever make.” program. Not only do free, no-penalty inspections The Department of Buildings has operated
“Whether you’re a first-time or a longtime reduce stress and costs for owners, they also help the No-Penalty Inspection Program since 2005.
homeowner, it can be hard to keep up with re- keep New Yorkers safe in their homes.” Over the past two decades, the Department has
quired maintenance and make improvements. The No-Penalty Inspection Program pro- conducted thousands of free inspections across
Our administration is here to help, thanks to DOB vides expert advice for New Yorkers to determine the five boroughs, helping homeowners and small
staff across the city who will provide expert guid- whether their properties are in good condition and business owners identify maintenance issues, im-
ance to property owners without risk of penalty,” plan repairs, if necessary. During the scheduled prove safety and avoid unnecessary costs.

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