The HPD: New York City's Housing Heroes (and How They Can Help You Stop Living in a Pigeon Paradise)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps... unless your radiator decides to take a permanent nap in the middle of December. But fear not, weary New Yorker, for there's a hero in your midst – the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, also known (and much less poetically) as the HPD.
Who are these HPD folks, and why should I care?
The HPD is basically your knight in shining armor when it comes to your apartment. They're the largest municipal developer of affordable housing in the nation, which means they're out there battling the evil forces of sky-high rent and sketchy landlords.
Here's what they do:
- Ensure your apartment isn't a death trap: They enforce the Housing Maintenance Code, which basically means they make sure your landlord isn't renting you a glorified pigeon coop. Think leaky roofs, non-existent heat, or a bathtub that doubles as a moat – the HPD is on it.
- Help you find an affordable place: Struggling to find a place that doesn't require selling your firstborn? The HPD offers rental and downpayment assistance programs, so you can stay in that trendy neighborhood without resorting to ramen noodles for every meal. (Though, hey, there's nothing wrong with a good ramen night!)
But wait, there's more! The HPD also works to:
- Keep your neighborhood awesome: They don't just focus on your apartment; they want your whole block to be thriving. They help develop strong communities and make sure your neighborhood isn't just a collection of overpriced bodegas.
- Fight the good fight for homeless New Yorkers: The HPD works to get folks off the streets and into safe, stable housing.
Basically, the HPD is like that awesome roommate who fixes the dripping faucet, reminds you to recycle, and even throws in the occasional bag of chips.
How to: Learn more about the HPD's awesome programs (and maybe send them a thank-you note for keeping your apartment from resembling a medieval dungeon) by visiting their website at https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/index.page.
Frequently Asked Questions (because we know you have them):
How to report a building code violation?
The HPD has a handy online portal and even a 24-hour hotline (because let's face it, a leaky ceiling doesn't wait for business hours). Check out their website for details https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/index.page.
How to apply for affordable housing?
Head over to NYC Housing Connect, a one-stop shop for all things affordable housing in the city. You can thank the HPD for that one too! https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/
How to find out if my apartment qualifies for rent regulation?
The HPD has a nifty tool to help you determine if your rent is stabilized (which means there are limits on how much your landlord can raise it). Give it a whirl at https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/programs/rent-stabilization.page.
How to contact the HPD?
Need to get in touch with your housing heroes? The HPD website has all the contact information you need https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/index.page.
How to avoid accidentally adopting a family of raccoons living in your air vents?
Okay, this one might be beyond the HPD's expertise. But they can definitely help you address any underlying issues that might be attracting unwanted wildlife (like a giant hole in your roof).
