Rule guide · Building operations

Self-closing doors, explained.

After fatal fires spread through doors left open, the City made it law: in buildings with three or more apartments, every door that opens into an interior corridor or stairwell, including each apartment's entry door, must close and latch on its own. Not swing mostly shut. Close, and latch.

What it costs to skip: a class C immediately hazardous violation with just 14 days to correct, and HPD re-inspects within 20 days of the deadline even if you certify the fix (Local Law 63 of 2022), so the repair has to be real.

Applies toMultiple dwellings (3+ apartments)

Which doorsApartment entry doors and any door opening to corridors or stairs

The standardCloses and latches by itself from any open position

Violation clockClass C · 14 days to correct · mandatory re-inspection

AgencyHPD

The lawNYC Admin. Code §§ 27-2041.1, 28-315.10 (LL111/2018, LL63/2022)

Make it a walk-through habit

Once a month, open every corridor and stairwell door halfway and let go. It should swing shut and click latched. The usual culprits: painted-over hinges, worn closers, latches that don't line up, and door sweeps dragging on tile. A closer costs little; the violation cycle costs more.

Tenants and propped doors

Tenants propping doors doesn't excuse the owner: the device has to work whenever HPD looks. If a door keeps getting propped (deliveries, airflow), solve the underlying reason: the law doesn't accept the doorstop.

See every rule that applies to your building

Sources: HPD, Self-Closing Doors · Admin. Code § 27-2041.1. Reviewed July 4, 2026. This guide organizes public requirements in plain English; it is not legal advice, and No Fines is not affiliated with the City of New York. Confirm specifics with the agency before your deadline.