To kick off 2026, the city just published final rules for HPD digital signage at residential properties.
We shared news about the proposed rules earlier in 2025. HPD drafted rules to allow owners of residential properties to replace select (not all) signage with digital signs. Following a July hearing, the final rules have finally been released.
Here’s what you need to know:
What Hasn’t Changed
This doesn’t apply to all signs.
Per the new rule, HPD has amended various chapters of law to allow owners to post digital signage instead of printed signs. The specific signs are:
- Owner’s Right To Access Dwelling Units/Rooms & Requirements for Notification
- Collection, Retention and Disposal of Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse in Multiple Dwellings
- Housing Information Guide for Tenants and Owners
- Internet Capable Temperature Reporting Devices
- Bedbug Infestation (History & Annual Report Information)
- Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Alarm, and Natural Gas Detector signage
- A separate rule update was published here, outlining requirements for all 3 device types
- Reminder – the compliance date for natural gas detectors has been pushed to January 1, 2027 at the earliest. Stay tuned for updates here
The above represent a small fraction of the signs required at residential properties, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to implement digital signage alongside postings.
It’s all or nothing.
If your team does decide to implement digital signage, you must do so for all of the above signs. For example, you can’t implement digital signage for everything except Bedbug Infestation, or only for the Housing Information Guide. Digital signage must replace all or none of the above requirements.
Certain requirements are still in place.
Requirements regarding font size and type, placement of signage, lighting, accessibility, and language still apply. These requirements may vary depending on the sign in question, so it’s important to keep those in mind for each sign. HPD has a great reference page for onsite signage with links to the specific laws and examples.
It’s also important to note that if the digital sign becomes inoperable, teams will be required to post physical signage until it’s fixed.
Final Clarifications
A few comments were made during the rule’s comment period, and HPD addressed them in the final post:
- One comment requested clarification allowing “rotation of digital signs”
- Another comment was concerned about signs being posted for a sufficient amount of time
HPD responded:
…the proposed language in 28 RCNY §12-01(f)(7), in the companion rule referenced above, to “display the content as required by this section in a manner that is reasonable for viewing and comprehension, which may be accomplished through the simultaneous display of all required notices with the ability to click to enlarge such notices …” was sufficient to address these concerns and further changes were not needed.
Basically, HPD believes the “manner that is reasonable for viewing and comprehension” language is sufficient, and specific clarity isn’t needed for sign rotation or timing. They do give a possible example of a sufficient display method (simultaneous display and interactivity), but use the word may instead of should. Bottom line? Residents need to have reasonable time to view and understand each digital sign.
The final comment asked about installation requirements. HPD noted that the rule should be limited to content and specifications on what is displayed, rather than the specifics of how digital signage is installed. That said, there are no required specs for installation, overall screen size, etc.
Based on the amended rules, owners can start taking advantage of this change now – we’ll let you know if HPD releases any additional information here.
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