Questions
Is Woodpecker part of HPD or the city?
No. Woodpecker is a private service operated by Redstone Castle LLC. Not affiliated with NYC HPD.
Who has to register with HPD?
Owners of residential buildings with 3 or more apartments, and owners of 1 or 2 family homes where neither the owner nor the owner's immediate family lives, must register every year.
When is registration due?
Every year from May 21 to September 1. HPD gives September 1 as the deadline.
What happens without a valid registration?
You cannot start a court case to get an apartment back for nonpayment of rent. HPD can also charge a civil penalty. HPD's page gives two ranges: its main text says $500 to $1,500 for buildings with 5 or fewer apartments and $1,000 to $5,000 for larger ones, and its questions section says $250 to $500.
Do you sign for me?
No. HPD requires the original signatures of the owner, or an officer of the owning company, and of the managing agent. We fill in the registration, mark every line to sign and date, and mail it to you. You sign, date and mail it to HPD with the address label from the packet.
I manage the building myself. Who signs?
You can be your own managing agent. You then sign and date both lines, the owner line and the managing agent line. The packet marks both.
Who files the bed bug report?
Owners of buildings with 3 or more apartments, every year from December 1 to 31. It covers November 1 of the previous year to October 31. We prepare it from 4 numbers you give us, and you submit it on HPD's website from our filled-in sheet. HPD says it must be filed by a registered owner or agent.
What if HPD rejects a filing because we made a mistake?
We prepare it again at no charge.
Can I cancel?
Yes, any time before your renewal date. See the Terms and Refunds pages.
Which buildings do you take?
Buildings in the five boroughs with 1 to 20 apartments. For larger buildings, contact us.
More detail, with links to HPD's own pages, is in our guides.
Another question? Email support@woodpecker.help.