Understanding the New DOB Anti-Harassment Requirements

On July 10, 2025, the NYC Department of Buildings introduced a new rule for properties situated in specific Anti-Harassment zoning districts. From that date forward, these buildings must carry an Anti-Harassment Requirements flag in the DOB NOW system. For certain alteration or demolition projects, property owners must now upload an additional document called the HPD/DCP Demolition Certification before they can get approval to proceed

How does this work in practice?

• If you’re doing an alteration job on a multiple dwelling in one of these zones, and the work will reduce residential floor area by 20% or more, you must upload that certification before DOB can approve the work.

• If you’re doing a full demolition of such a building, the same HPD/DCP Demolition Certification is required as supporting documentation in DOB NOW.

The relevant neighborhoods or zones where these rules apply include:

• Hell’s Kitchen (Subareas D4 or D5 of Subdistrict D, ZR 93-91)

• The Special Clinton District Preservation Area (ZR 96-107)

• The Special Clinton District Perimeter Area (ZR 96-20)

• The Special West Chelsea District (ZR 98-70)

• Subdistrict A-2 of the Special Garment Center District (ZR 121-60).

Why DOB Anti-Harassment Requirements Were Introduced

1. Preventing Harassment and Forced Displacement

These new measures reinforce the long-standing goal of keeping tenants safe—especially in areas with a history of displacement. By flagging properties and requiring additional documentation, the city ensures there’s oversight before major work begins. In effect, it’s a check to prevent landlords or developers from using demolition or major alterations as a tactic to pressure tenants out of their homes.

This aligns with the existing Certificate of No Harassment (CONH) process administered by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)—another mechanism designed to keep unlawful eviction tactics in check.

2. Greater Accountability and Transparency

The DOB NOW flag and certification requirements bring extra layers of accountability into the process:

• It signals internally that a property is in a sensitive zone with heightened tenant protections.

• Requiring documentation forces property owners to formally show they’re in compliance with anti-harassment policies.

• Any attempt to bypass or misrepresent the documentation can delay or halt the project—and potentially draw scrutiny from advocacy groups, agencies, or even OATH hearings, like in the CONH process.

3. Preserving Community Stability and Fair Housing

Neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen, West Chelsea, and the Garment District have long been vulnerable to rapid redevelopment. These rules aim to slow that down, giving tenants a fair chance to remain in their homes unless proper, fair procedures are followed.

Why It’s Important: The Human Side

We all know home is more than just walls—it’s comfort, memories, security. These new rules help protect that.

1. They Give Tenants a Fighting Chance

When major construction or demolition plans surface, tenants often feel powerless. By flagging at-risk buildings and requiring extra scrutiny, these rules help level the playing field. Tenants get time, attention, and—and—if necessary- help to ensure they’re not being driven out unfairly.

2. They Help Stop Sneaky Landlord Tactics

Few things are as damaging or stressful as sudden displacement. Without rules like these, some owners might quietly demolish or alter buildings under the radar—cutting services, making units unlivable, or pushing tenants out in other ways. The DOB NOW flag and requirement for proof act as a clear roadblock against such tactics.

3. They Support Ethical Development

Real estate development doesn’t have to come at the expense of the city’s long-time residents. These requirements encourage developers to engage responsibly—lifting communities, not pushing them aside. This helps create buildings that reflect a balance between progress and fairness.

4. They Reinforce a City-Wide Anti-Harassment Stance

This isn’t just about buildings—it’s about a broader message: harassment—whether by displacement, intimidation, or covert actions—is not acceptable. By embedding protections into places of change, the city sets a clear standard: people come first.

A Clear Example

Imagine a landlord wants to demo part of a building in West Chelsea (mapped under ZR 98-70). Because of the Anti-Harassment flag, DOB NOW won’t give the go-ahead unless the landlord also submits an HPD/DCP Demolition Certification. That certificate essentially says, “I’m not forcing tenants to leave just so I can rebuild.” The DOB team then reviews it—or flags it for further HPD attention if needed. It’s a pause, yes—but it’s also a protection.

Wrapping It All Up

In simple terms, the new Department of Buildings Anti-Harassment requirements introduced in July 2025 add a smart layer of protection for tenants in vulnerable zones. They require:

• An Anti-Harassment flag in DOB NOW for covered buildings.

• A HPD/DCP Demolition Certification for significant alterations or full demolition in flagged properties.

They’re important because they:

1. Protect tenants from displacement.

2. Ensure developers and owners act with transparency.

3. Help maintain community stability and fairness.

4. Reaffirm NYC’s commitment to combating harassment in construction and housing practices.

By connecting development to human impact, NYC is ensuring its neighborhoods grow responsibly—and residents have a fair shot at being part of that future.