Hiring Commercial Property Services Providers in New York

Commercial real estate services in New York demand careful navigation of a patchwork of state and municipal rules. In New York City, require a registered General Contractor and ensure electricians and plumbers hold NYC Department of Buildings Master licenses; up-state, confirm the contractor can secure permits with the town or county Building Department and, for structural work in coastal or seismic zones, obtain Department of State Code Division variances when needed. Soft-service vendors—janitorial, porter, landscaping, pest control, security patrol, parking operations, waste hauling, or snow removal—must show a New York State business registration; pesticide applicators need Department of Environmental Conservation certification, and security guards are licensed through the Division of Licensing Services. Expect at least $2 million general liability for construction trades and $1 million for routine cleaning, plus statutory workers’ compensation and E&O for architects or ESG consultants. Verify OSHA HAZCOM and, in NYC, Local 196 site-safety training, along with Department of Environmental Conservation asbestos or storm-water compliance. Favor firms with local references on Midtown towers, Hudson Valley logistics hubs, or Long Island multifamily before award.