Free tool
Who owns your building?
Enter any New York City address to see the owner of record and the building's open housing-code violations — straight from official city records. The same public data CertRent uses to confirm a landlord reference is genuine.
Why look up your building's owner?
- Verify who you're really renting from before you sign or send a deposit.
- Check a landlord reference is genuine — does the person vouching for a tenant actually own the building?
- Know who's responsible for repairs and your security deposit.
How it works
We match your address to its official tax lot (BBL) using the city's geocoder, then read the owner of record from the Department of City Planning's public PLUTO dataset. It's the same free, official data — no scraping, no guesswork.
This is why CertRent references are different
Anyone can list a friend as a "past landlord." CertRent checks each reference against these same city records, so a landlord viewing your profile knows the reference actually owns the building. It's a check no other renter profile does.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns my building in NYC?
Type your NYC address into CertRent and you'll see the owner of record plus building facts pulled from ACRIS and PLUTO, the city's official property records. It's free, and no account is needed for the basic owner lookup. Sign in to also see the owner's other buildings across the city.
How do I find out who owns a building in NYC?
Enter the address on CertRent's free tool. It reads the deed and tax records in ACRIS and PLUTO and shows the registered owner, year built, units, and lot details. For LLC-owned buildings, sign in to see the owner's full portfolio via JustFix's Who Owns What data.
Who is my landlord if the deed just lists an LLC?
Many NYC buildings are held by LLCs. CertRent shows the LLC on the deed, and signed-in users can view the owner's linked portfolio through JustFix Who Owns What, which connects related LLCs to the people and management behind them so you can identify the real operator.
Can I see building violations and complaints too?
Yes. Sign in free and CertRent shows open HPD violations, 311 complaints, and DOB violations for the address, alongside the owner info. It's a quick way to check a building's record before you sign a lease or when you're dealing with a repair issue.
Is this landlord lookup really free?
Yes. The address search, owner of record, and building facts are free with no account. Creating a free CertRent account unlocks HPD, DOB, 311, and portfolio data. CertRent is a free verified renter-profile platform for NYC, with no fees to renters or landlords.
Why should I look up my building owner before renting?
Knowing the real owner and their track record helps you spot buildings with heavy HPD or DOB violations, verify who you're leasing from, and hold the right party accountable for repairs. Under NY law your landlord must be registered with HPD, and CertRent surfaces that record instantly.
How do I check my landlord for free?
Type the building's address into the search box above. CertRent looks up the owner of record from ACRIS and PLUTO — New York City's official property databases — and shows it instantly. There's no charge and no account required for the basic owner-of-record check.
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