HPD phone numbers depend on which city you're in and what you need

HPD stands for Housing and Preservation Department in New York City, or Housing Preservation Division in some other cities. If you're looking for the phone number, the first step is confirming which city's HPD you need — the numbers are completely different.

For New York City HPD, the main phone line is 311. You can call 311 from any phone in the city to report housing code violations, request inspections, or ask about tenant rights. If you're calling from outside New York City, you can reach NYC HPD at (212) 863-8000. The department also has specialized lines for specific issues, which are faster than the main number if you know what you need.

If you live in a different city, search "[your city name] HPD phone number" or contact your city's main government line — they can transfer you or provide the correct housing department contact. Many cities use different department names entirely, so the HPD abbreviation may not explore where you are.

Key Takeaways

  • NYC HPD's main number is 311 from any phone in the city, or (212) 863-8000 from outside the city.
  • HPD handles housing code violations, inspection requests, and tenant rights questions in New York City.
  • Other cities may use different names for their housing department, so confirm your city's name before searching.
  • Specialized phone lines exist for specific issues like heat complaints or lead paint, and they typically have shorter wait times than the main number.
  • You can also reach HPD through their website or by visiting a local office in person if phone lines are busy.

What HPD handles and when to call

Call HPD when you have a problem with your rental apartment or building that the landlord has not fixed. Common reasons include no heat in winter, broken plumbing, mold, pest infestations, broken windows, or electrical hazards. HPD will send an inspector to your unit at no cost to you, and the inspection creates an official record that can protect you if your landlord tries to retaliate.

You should also call if you need information about tenant rights, want to know what your landlord is legally required to provide, or have questions about lease terms. HPD staff can explain the rules but cannot act as your lawyer or represent you in court.

Do not call HPD for issues outside housing — they do not handle noise complaints, neighbor disputes, or general police matters. For those, call 311 and ask for the appropriate department.

Specialized HPD phone lines for common issues

NYC HPD operates dedicated lines for the most frequent complaints. If you have no heat or hot water, you can call the Heat and Hot Water Complaint Line at (212) 863-8000 and select the option for heat complaints — this line prioritizes winter emergencies. For lead paint concerns in buildings built before 1978, there is a separate line that connects you to HPD's lead program staff.

Mold complaints, water leaks, and flooding also have dedicated routing within the main number system. When you call 311 or the main line, listen to the menu options carefully and select the one that matches your issue. This routes you to the right team and usually reduces your wait time compared to the general line.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can reach HPD through New York Relay Service by dialing 711, which will connect you to an operator who can relay your call to HPD.

What to have ready before you call

Before calling HPD, gather your lease, a photo or video of the problem, and the date you first reported it to your landlord. Have your building address and apartment number ready — HPD will ask for this when ready. If you have already called before about the same issue, have that complaint number available.

Write down exactly what is broken or unsafe and when you first noticed it. For example, "No heat since January 15" is more useful than "It's cold." If the problem is seasonal (like heat in winter), mention that you have called about this before in previous years.

If you are calling about a code violation you witnessed in a building you do not live in, have the building address and a description of what you saw. You do not need to give your name, though HPD may ask for contact information so they can follow up with you about the inspection results.

How to reach HPD online or in person

If you prefer not to call, you can file a complaint through the NYC HPD website at hpd.gov.ny.gov. The online form lets you describe the problem, upload photos, and track your complaint status without waiting on hold. Many people find this faster than calling, especially during busy hours.

You can also visit an HPD office in person. There are offices in each borough — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Walk-in hours vary by location, so check the website for the office nearest you before you go. Bring your lease and photos of the problem if you have them.

Email is not a reliable way to reach HPD for urgent issues. If your building has no heat in winter or an when ready safety hazard, call 311 or the main number instead of emailing.

What happens after you call

After you report a problem, HPD will assign your complaint a number and tell you when an inspector will visit. For heat complaints in winter, HPD aims to inspect within 24 hours. For other violations, the timeline depends on how serious the problem is — when ready hazards like exposed electrical wiring get faster response than cosmetic issues.

The inspector will examine your apartment and the building, take photos, and write a report. HPD then sends the landlord a notice to fix the problem by a certain date. If the landlord does not comply, HPD can issue violations and fines. You can check the status of your complaint online using your complaint number, or call HPD again to ask for an update.

Your landlord cannot evict you or raise your rent because you reported a code violation — this is illegal retaliation. If your landlord tries to punish you for calling HPD, you have legal protections and should contact a tenant rights organization or lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call HPD anonymously?

Yes. You do not have to give your name when you call 311 or HPD's main line. HPD will still send an inspector and create a complaint record. However, if you want HPD to contact you with updates about your complaint, you will need to provide a phone number or email.

What if I call HPD and my landlord finds out?

Your landlord cannot legally evict you, raise your rent, or reduce services because you reported a housing code violation. This is called retaliation, and it is illegal in New York. If your landlord retaliates, you can file a complaint with HPD or contact a tenant rights organization for help.

Do I have to let the HPD inspector into my apartment?

Yes, you must allow HPD inspectors access to your apartment during reasonable hours. If you refuse, your complaint may be dismissed. Inspectors have the legal right to enter rental units to investigate code violations. You can ask to see their ID before letting them in.

How long does it take HPD to fix a problem?

HPD does not fix problems themselves — they order your landlord to fix them. For heat in winter, landlords have 24 hours. For other violations, the timeline varies. You can check online or call HPD with your complaint number to see if your landlord has complied.

What if HPD inspects and finds nothing wrong?

If the inspector does not find a violation, your complaint is closed. This can happen if the problem was temporary or if it was not visible during the inspection. You can call HPD again if the problem returns, and each call creates a new complaint record that shows a pattern.