Fill Out Your Certificate Of Correction Form

What is the Certificate of Correction form used for?

The Certificate of Correction form is required for correcting violations listed in open Department of Buildings OATH Summonses. It serves as an official document confirming that the cited violations have been addressed and corrected. This form helps property owners or their representatives communicate the completion of necessary repairs or actions taken to remedy the violations to the Department of Buildings.

Who can submit the Certificate of Correction form?

The individual submitting the form must be someone with appropriate authority regarding the property or the violation. This could include the named respondent on the violation, an officer of a business entity, the property owner (if they are not the named respondent), a current mortgagee, or an agent authorized by the respondent or property owner. The submitter must provide a mailing address and appropriate documentation to support their authority.

What supporting documents are required when submitting the form?

Along with the Certificate of Correction form, you must provide a notarized Statement in Support (AEU20) that details the steps taken to rectify the violations. This statement should reference relevant permits, job applications, or other records that verify the correction. If the work involved elevators or boilers, the statement must be on the letterhead of the licensed professional who performed the work. Additionally, include photographs showcasing the condition before and after correction, clearly labeled with the date, location, and summons number.

Can I request a waiver or reduction of penalties associated with the violation?

Yes, if you admit the violation and provide an acceptable Certificate of Correction, you may qualify for a penalty waiver or reduction. Two options are available: a Cure, which waives the penalty if approved by the Cure Date, or a Stipulation, which can reduce the penalty if you comply with the agreement by the stipulated due date. Details about waivers and reduction options can be found in the DOB Penalty Schedule.

What happens if my Certificate of Correction is not approved?

If your Certificate of Correction is not approved by the Department of Buildings, you will need to either attend a hearing to dispute the violation or admit to the violation by paying the required penalty before the scheduled hearing date. It is essential to ensure all documentation is submitted correctly to avoid these complications.

What are the consequences of submitting false information on the Certificate of Correction?

Providing false information when submitting the Certificate of Correction can lead to severe consequences. It is considered a criminal misdemeanor under NYC laws, carrying potential penalties of up to one year of imprisonment and/or fines as high as $25,000. Additionally, a civil penalty of up to $25,000 may apply. Accuracy and honesty in your submission are imperative to avoid these severe repercussions.

How can I electronically submit the Certificate of Correction form?

To submit the Certificate of Correction form electronically, you must have an eFiling account. Log in to DOB NOW at www.nyc.gov/dobnow and select the BIS Options portal. If you do not have an eFiling account, you can create one by visiting www.nyc.gov/DOBNOWtips. Remember to include all supporting documents when submitting the form to ensure compliance and processing.

Filling out the Certificate of Correction form is a crucial step for individuals dealing with Department of Buildings (DOB) violations. However, numerous mistakes can complicate the process and delay resolution. One common error is failing to provide the correct summons number. This number, which appears on the violation notice, serves as a reference point for the DOB. Without it, the application may get lost or mistakenly associated with another case.

Another frequent mistake involves not specifying the correct place of occurrence. It's essential to include the complete house number, street name, borough, state, and zip code. Omitting any part of this information can lead to confusion and may ultimately jeopardize the certificate’s processing.

Not identifying oneself correctly in the affidavit section is another challenge. The form requires that it is signed by an individual, not by a business entity, which is a key distinction. This means that if you are representing a company, you must also indicate your specific position within that entity. Failure to do so can result in rejection of the form.

Some individuals neglect to check off the appropriate respondent category. This section includes various options, such as 'Respondent named on the violation' or 'Owner of Property.' Each selection has specific implications regarding liability and responsibility. It’s important to check the box that accurately reflects the individual’s role in relation to the violation.

Misidentifying the person or entity that performed the corrective work can also pose a problem. This section requires indicating whether the work was completed by oneself, an employee, a contractor, or a licensed professional. Providing incorrect information here can lead to complications, especially if documentation is needed later.

Additionally, many forget to attach the required notarized Statement in Support (form AEU20) and relevant proof of correction. This extra documentation is crucial; it tells the DOB how the issues were resolved and provides evidence that supports the claims made in the Certificate of Correction.

Labeling photographs incorrectly or failing to include them altogether is another common oversight. When submitting evidence of corrections made, each photograph must be clearly labeled with the date taken, location, and summons number. If photographs are ambiguous or missing, the application may be viewed as incomplete.

People often overlook the importance of noting the correct cure or stipulation compliance due dates. Adhering to these deadlines is essential for potentially waiving or reducing penalties associated with the violation. It’s necessary to reference these dates accurately from the summons or stipulation documents.

Lastly, individuals frequently mismanage the submission process, leading to delays. Submitting the form without all supporting documentation can result in rejection or require further clarification from the DOB. Attention to detail during the submission phase can make a significant difference.

The Certificate of Correction form is often used in conjunction with several other documents. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in addressing violations and ensuring compliance with municipal regulations. Below is a list of commonly associated forms and documents.

• AFFIDAVIT AEU20: This notarized statement details the specific actions taken to correct the conditions cited in the violation. It must reference all relevant permit numbers and documents that validate the correction.
• CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE: A copy of the contractor's license is essential if work was completed by a contractor. This documentation confirms that the individual or business is authorized to perform the necessary repairs or corrections.
• PROOF OF WORK PERFORMED: Documentation such as receipts or invoices may be required to demonstrate that correction work has been completed. These documents serve as tangible evidence of compliance.
• NOTARIZED AUTHORIZATION LETTER: If someone other than the property owner or named respondent is submitting the forms, a notarized letter from the property owner authorizing this representation is necessary.
• PHOTOGRAPHS: Before and after photographs of the violation must be included, labeled with the relevant details such as date, location, and summons number. This visual evidence supports claims of correction.
• PROOF OF MORTGAGE AGREEMENT: For current mortgagees submitting the Certificate of Correction, evidence of the mortgage agreement must be attached along with authorization from the property owner.
• DEED COPY: In cases where the respondent is a new property owner, a copy of the deed must be provided to establish ownership and responsibility for the correction.
• APPLICATION FOR PERMIT: If any repairs required a permit, a copy of the application submitted for that permit should be included to show all necessary regulations were followed.
• STATEMENT OF WORKCompletion: This document must outline when and how the work was completed, including details about who performed the work.
• COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE: If applicable, a compliance certificate may be needed to confirm adherence to any other regulations or safety standards during the correction process.

Gathering and submitting these documents alongside the Certificate of Correction helps ensure that the correction process is thorough and compliant with municipal requirements. Each document serves a specific purpose in documenting the actions taken and the measures put in place to rectify the violations cited by the Department of Buildings.

• Affidavit of Compliance: This document serves as a sworn statement confirming that a specific action has been taken to address a violation. Similar to the Certificate of Correction, it requires affirmation of correction by the individual who performed the work.
• Proof of Correction Document: This is used to provide evidence that a violation has been addressed. Like the Certificate of Correction, it often includes photographs and descriptions of the corrective actions taken.
• Notice of Violation Response: In responding to a notice of violation, parties can submit information confirming that they have corrected the issues cited. This is akin to the Certificate of Correction in that both aim to inform authorities about compliance.
• Work Completion Statement: This document indicates that a particular job has been completed in accordance with specified regulations. It functions similarly to the Certificate of Correction by asserting that corrective work has been performed.
• Compliance Certificate: Issued after a regulatory inspection, this certificate states that a property meets required safety or health standards. Its purpose aligns with that of the Certificate of Correction in verifying that corrections were made.
• Restoration Certification: This document is utilized to certify that a property has been restored to a compliant state after a violation. It shares similarities with the Certificate of Correction in confirming corrective actions taken.
• Cure Notice: A notification outlining steps needed to rectify a violation, similar in intent to the Certificate of Correction by addressing compliance issues proactively.

When filling out the Certificate of Correction form, attention to detail is crucial. Here are some helpful tips on what to do and what to avoid:

• Do ensure you fill in the summons number accurately to avoid processing delays.
• Do provide the correct place of occurrence, including the house number, street, borough, state, and zip code.
• Do state your relationship to the violation clearly, whether you are the respondent, owner, or an authorized agent.
• Do attach all necessary documents such as proof of correction, notarized statements, and photographs as required.
• Don't submit as a business entity if you are certifying as an individual; use your personal name instead.
• Don't forget to notarize your affidavit before submission to validate your claims.
• Don't mislabel photographs; clarity ensures they are supported effectively.
• Don't submit the form late; adhere to the cure or stipulation compliance dates to avoid prolonged penalties.

Below are some common misconceptions about the Certificate of Correction form, along with clarifications to help understand its requirements and implications.

• It can be submitted by anyone. Only individuals with a legitimate role regarding the violation can submit this form. This includes the respondent, property owners, current mortgagees, or authorized agents.
• Once submitted, no further action is required. After submitting the Certificate of Correction, keep track of whether it’s approved. If the correction isn’t accepted, you may need to attend a hearing.
• All violations are eligible for penalty waivers. While many violations can qualify for waivers, it depends on specific circumstances outlined in the DOB Penalty Schedule.
• Only licensed professionals can perform corrections. While licensed professionals can carry out corrections, property owners can also do the work themselves if they provide the necessary documentation.
• The form can be submitted without supporting documents. Supporting documents, such as a notarized Statement in Support and proof of correction, are essential for a valid submission.
• All corrections must be documented in the same format. You can either use the standard AEU20 form or provide a separate notarized statement. The key is that it must contain specific information.
• Photographs of the work are optional. Photographs are required and must clearly label the date taken, the location, and the summons number. Include before-and-after photos for clarity.
• A notary is not necessary for the affidavit. The affidavit must be notarized, as failing to do so can lead to legal penalties for false certification.
• If my Certificate of Correction is denied, I can't appeal. You can attend the hearing to dispute the violation or admit to it, allowing you the opportunity to address the issue further.
• The deadline for submission is flexible. You must adhere to specific deadlines based on the details of the violation, including cure and stipulation dates, as mentioned in the summons.

1. Understand the Purpose: The Certificate of Correction form is required to address any open summonses from the Department of Buildings. This form serves as an official declaration that the cited violations have been corrected.

2. Ensure Accurate Information: Fill out the form with precise details about the summons, including the summons number, place of occurrence, and the individual or entity responsible for the correction. Inaccurate information can delay the process or result in penalties.

3. Attach Required Documentation: Include a notarized Statement in Support and evidence of the corrections made. This might involve photographs showing the condition before and after correction, as well as any relevant permits or job applications.

4. Be Aware of Penalty Options: Correcting the violation may qualify for a penalty waiver or reduction. Familiarize yourself with the penalties outlined in the DOB Penalty Schedule to fully understand your options for managing costs associated with the violation.