NYC Basement Flood Mitigation Study

NYC HPD Study Applications Open Now

  • It’s tricky to figure out where the water is coming from or what solution will work

  • Can be a little technical and also expensive

  • Having a detailed assessment helps answer “what can I do?”

  • And having a free one is even better…

WHAT:

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is offering free professional flood assessments and cost estimates from certified engineers for home owners and renters across NYC. It’s called the “Basement Apartment Flood Mitigation Study” and the goal is to study various properties across NYC and identify causes of basement flooding and recommend practical mitigation options and cost estimates.

NYC HPD Flyer

WHO: 

The main agency is NYC HPD. Working with them are engineers from Thornton Tomasetti, Sherpa Construction Consulting and BJH Advisors.

WHEN:

Applications open now until end of January. Limited slots, so first come first served. Study runs through 2026.

WHY APPLY:

Owners receive a no-cost on-site expert evaluation from professional engineers. That comes with a written report with customized flood-proofing recommendations—to help you determine what you can do with detailed options. From there, you can decide what you want to do (no obligations to do any of it). But this is normally kind of expensive, so a good opportunity to get for free. 

INCENTIVES:

  1. Free flood mitigation study and cost estimate

  2. Priority access to assistance for upcoming HPD programs and grants

  3. AND…a choice of “thank you” gift (pick one from below):

Flood Barriers

Flood Alarm

Drain Protector

WHAT’S THE CATCH:

HPD simply wants to do a study with many buildings and then rollup the data into a larger report (the study will NOT cite your specific property). That’s it. So they get a realistic view and a study, and you get a free engineers report.

WHO QUALIFIES:

☑ If you own a 1- or 2-family building (detached, semi-detached, or attached)
☑ Have a basement or cellar space that has flooded or is at risk
☑ Willing to share basic ownership, building, and flood history information
☑ Allow an on-site visit by HPD’s engineering team (takes about 60 min)
☑ Located eligible area (ONLY Green or Orange zones, NOT Red zones in map below)

Green/Orange Areas Qualify: Email For Questions

DO NOT APPLY IF:

☒ Your property is in a RED zone in map above (1% annual flood plain) (Help?)
☒ You own a large multifamily or commercial building
☒ The basement is occupied/rented to a NON-family member (why? engineers cannot enter active living spaces for tenants)
☒ You are unwilling to provide property access for inspection

HOW TO APPLY:

  1. Confirm you qualify (using map above or email study team)

  2. Submit the interest form: HPD Flood Study Interest Form (<5 min)

  3. If you qualify, the team will reach out with next steps to schedule the engineering assessment

    Questions? Email the HPD Flood Study Team: 

    [email protected]

HELP AND FAQ:

Q: Does this cost me anything?

A: No It is free to apply and free to get the assessment and report.

Q: If engineers come and see something they don’t think is up to code, what happens?

A: They are assessors for a study, vs inspectors. Most importantly, they will make you aware and recommend ways to address. That said, if they see “life / safety issues” they are obligated to file with 311.

Q: I can’t tell from the map above if I am in right zone?

A: Got it. So the study wants to look at properties that are NOT in the 1% annual flood plain. If you cannot tell from the map above, then contact HPD Flood Study Team at [email protected]

Q: Can I ask for this as a renter and what do I need to know?

A: Yes, you can request an assessment as a renter and see if your building qualifies. Note: If you qualify to get the free assessment, you will need the owners consent (but hopefully they should like that).

CONTACT:

Questions? Contact HPD Flood Study Team at [email protected]