NYC Clients: Important Information About the Third-Party Elevator Inspection Pilot Program

Starting June 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Buildings is launching a Third-Party Elevator Inspection Pilot Program. Approved third-party inspection agencies, SUCH AS VDA, can now perform Acceptance Tests for new installations, alterations, and modernization work.

This change is in response to the significant backlog of tests incurred in the NYC area due to limited DOB inspectors and is anticipated to reduce the current lead time.

Owners / Managers will be responsible for contracting a third-party vendor (VDA) to witness the Acceptance Test as performed by your Elevator Contractor.

Act now by calling us at 212-868-9090 or emailing metrovdasales@vdassoc.com for more information or to request a proposal! This pilot runs until December 31, 2025, but the DOB reserves the right to amend or end it early.

Note: Contractors are required to provide a minimum of ten (10) days’ notice to the NYC DOB regarding when they plan to perform the acceptance test. Therefore, inspections must be +10 days from signed proposal/deposit and coordinated with VDA for mutually acceptable date.

Click here for the full notice.