Learn NYC property data terms.

NYC tax-lot identifier used across city records

A BBL is a borough-block-lot number used by New York City to identify tax lots. It is often the most reliable way to match the same property across city systems, even when address labels differ.

Record that may need review

An attention item is a public record or freshness-status change that may need manual verification. PropSignal does not score a property or tell users what decision to make. Users should review the official source before relying on the information.

Public records for watched properties

Source events are public records captured from supported official sources. These can include building violations, filings, permit activity patterns, OATH hearings, and other official records. PropSignal shows records and freshness notes so users can decide what needs verification.

Scheduled checks for watched property records

Property monitoring is the scheduled process of checking supported sources for records associated with specific properties. PropSignal organizes DOB permits, violations, OATH hearings, foreclosure filings, and other public records so users can review changes with freshness notes.

Custom list of properties to monitor

A watchlist is a user-defined collection of properties identified by BBL for scheduled record checks. Users can organize watched properties, set update preferences, and review updates when supported records change. Watchlists help track portfolios, neighborhoods, or properties of interest.

NYC agency overseeing construction and building safety

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) regulates construction, building safety, and property alterations. DOB issues permits, conducts inspections, enforces building codes, and maintains records of violations. DOB activities can provide context for development activity, building conditions, or maintenance questions.

Administrative court for NYC violations

The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) is the city's administrative court that handles violations issued by various NYC agencies, including DOB. Property owners can contest violations at OATH hearings. OATH decisions and outcomes provide record detail for violation status and should be verified with official records.

Official notice of building code non-compliance

A building violation is an official notice from the Department of Buildings that a property is not complying with building codes or safety regulations. Violations can range from minor infractions to serious safety hazards. Unresolved violations may lead to fines, penalties, or legal action. Violation history is record detail and should be reviewed with official records.

Legal process for mortgage default

Foreclosure is the legal process where a lender attempts to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan by taking ownership of and selling the mortgaged property. Foreclosure filings are sensitive public records and should be verified with the official source or a qualified professional before relying on them.

Official approval for construction work

A building permit is official approval from the Department of Buildings for construction, alteration, or demolition work. Permits indicate planned or ongoing property changes. Different permit types (new building, alteration, demolition, plumbing, electrical) provide insights into property activity, improvements, or potential issues.

Origin and history of data sources

Data provenance refers to the origin, custody, and history of data sources. In property monitoring, provenance indicates which government agencies provided the data, when it was last updated, and how recent the information is. Understanding provenance helps assess source reliability and freshness before relying on a record.

Notifications about watched property record changes

Scheduled updates are notifications or summaries sent when supported sources show records for watched properties. Updates can be delivered by email, in-app notifications, or other approved channels. Users can customize rule types, frequency, and record categories they want to review.