11 Signs to Post in Building Lobby or Entryway, Part I
Keeping track of all the signs you are required to post in your building's lobby or entrance hall can be difficult. The sign-posting requirements are buried in several different city and state laws. But as difficult as it may be to keep up with the many different requirements, a missing or improperly posted sign could hurt you financially if an inspector visits your building and issues a fine.
To help you out, here is the first part of a two-part series listing the necessary signs required by law that must be posted in your lobby or entryway. Part II will be published next month, and it will provide detailed information on trash collection, certificate of occupancy, fire safety, carbon monoxide, and no-smoking signage requirements.
Boiler Room Access Sign
If you keep your boiler room locked, you must post a sign that gives the name of the person who has the key and where he can be found.
Who must post. Owners of buildings with three or more apartments.
Content. The sign must read “Key to heating system area lock is located at [insert name of person with key and that person's location].”
Sign specifications. The sign's lettering must be at least three-sixteenths of an inch high. The sign itself must be large enough to accommodate the lettering and still have a quarter-inch margin all around. The lettering and background must be of contrasting colors—for example, black and white. The sign must be metal, plastic, or a decal. And you must repair or replace the sign if it is defaced, damaged, or removed.
Location. The sign should be placed six to eight feet from the floor. You must post the sign in a conspicuous place in the building's entry, easily accessible to a Department of Environmental Protection inspector. You must also post the sign on the boiler room entrance door.
Penalty. Failure to post the sign is a class-C violation of the NYC Administrative Code and can result in fines of $50 to $150 per violation, plus $50 to $275 per day if an owner fails to correct a violation of the boiler room access law within the time indicated on the violation notice.
Governing laws. NYC Administrative Code §27-2033; RCNY Title 28 §16-02.
Certificate of Inspection
You must post the building's certificate of inspection issued by the HPD.
Who must post. Owners of buildings with three or more apartments.
Content. The certificate reads “Certificate of Inspection Visits” and lists the building's street address, as well as the name, address, and telephone number of the owner. Beneath this information are signature lines for inspectors.
Sign specifications. You must place the certificate in a metal or plastic frame covered with a transparent, nonglass protective facing. An allen set screw must be located in the center of the frame's top portion to allow an inspector to remove and sign the certificate.
Location. You must post the certificate of inspection in a conspicuous place in the building within view of the mailboxes. Place the bottom of the frame anywhere from 48 to 62 inches from the floor.
Penalty. Failure to post the certificate is an HPD class-A (nonhazardous) violation.
Governing laws. NYS Multiple Dwelling Law §329; RCNY Title 28 §25-241.
Smoke Detector Notices
You must post a notice advising tenants of their right to have smoke detectors in their apartments.
Who must post. Owners of buildings with three or more apartments.
Content. The notice must inform tenants that you are required to install smoke detectors in each apartment and that the tenant is responsible for maintaining and repairing the devices and for replacing any devices that are stolen, removed, or rendered inoperable. The notice should also state that the tenant of the apartment in which a battery-operated smoke detector is provided and installed must reimburse you a maximum of $10 for the cost of providing and installing each device and that the tenant has one year from the date of installation to pay you.
Sign specifications. The notice's lettering must be at least three-sixteenths of an inch high. The lettering and background must be of contrasting colors—for example, black and white. The notice itself must be metal, plastic, or a decal. And there must be enough light so that the notice can be read.
Location. It must be placed in the building's lobby, near the inspection certificate.
Penalty. Failure to post the notice is a class-A violation of the NYC Administrative Code and carries a fine of between $10 and $50.
Governing laws. NYC Administrative Code §27-978 through 27-981, 27-2045, and 27-2046; NYS Multiple Dwelling Law §68; RCNY, Title 28, §12-01.
Multiple Dwelling Registration (HPD)
HPD issues a registration number to every building with three or more apartments. You must post this number, which is used to identify a building and its owner and managing agent.
Who must post. Owners of buildings with three or more apartments.
Content. The sign must have the following format and display information in the following order: Department of Housing Preservation and Development; City of New York; registration number; building's street address.
Sign specifications. The registration numbers must be at least a half inch in height, while the letters and numbers forming the street address and “Department of Housing Preservation and Development” must be at least a quarter inch high. All other letters must be at least three-sixteenths of an inch high. And the lettering must be in a plain and bold font. The sign itself must be large enough to accommodate the lettering and have a quarter-inch margin on all sides. Also, the sign's background and lettering must be of contrasting colors.
Location. You must post the sign in the building's entrance hall, preferably near the mailboxes. Place the sign on the wall, seven to nine feet from the floor.
Penalty. Failure to post the notice is a class-A violation of the NYC Administrative Code and carries a fine of between $10 and $50.
Governing laws. NYC Administrative Code §27-2104; RCNY, Title 28, §25-81.
Janitor's Residence (HPD)
You must post a sign giving the janitor or superintendent's name, address, and telephone number. You must post this sign even if the janitor or superintendent lives in the building or if you are acting as the building janitor or superintendent. If you replace the building's janitor or superintendent, you must post a new sign with the required information within five days.
Who must post. Owners of buildings with nine or more apartments.
Content. The sign must have the following format:
Title (Superintendent or Janitor); name; address including apartment number; telephone number.
Sign specifications. The lettering must be in a plain and bold font and be at least three-sixteenths of an inch in height. The sign itself must be large enough to accommodate the lettering and have a quarter-inch margin on all sides. The sign must be made out of metal, slow-burning plastic, or heavy paper, encased in a metal, wood, or plastic frame that is covered by transparent glass or plastic or glass that's at least a sixteenth of an inch thick. Also, the sign's background and lettering must be of contrasting colors.
Location. You must post the sign in the building's entrance hall, preferably near the mailboxes. Place the sign on the wall, seven to nine feet from the floor.
Penalty. Failure to post the notice is a class-A violation of the NYC Administrative Code and carries a fine of between $10 and $50.
Governing laws. NYC Administrative Code §27-2053; RCNY Title 28, §25-81.
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