ECB Default Judgment (5× Penalty) — Reopening in NYC
If you fail to appear at your OATH hearing, you are found in violation and a penalty five times the standard amount is imposed — but you may be able to request a new hearing.
What It Means
Per DOB/OATH: if you fail to attend your hearing, you will be found in violation and a penalty five times higher than the standard amount will be imposed. Owners who ignored a plumbing or gas summons land here; reopening the matter and correcting the underlying condition is the path back.
Why You Got It
Common trigger: the owner never responded to the summons and missed the hearing.
Consequences & Penalties
A default judgment imposes a penalty five times the standard amount.
Information current as of 2026-06-21. Penalty amounts and deadlines change — confirm specifics against your violation notice or with a Licensed Master Plumber.
How to Clear It
- Request a new hearing / motion to vacate the default per OATH procedure.
- Correct the underlying condition with a Licensed Master Plumber.
- Present proof of correction at the rescheduled hearing to seek mitigation or dismissal.
- Certify the correction with DOB (Certificate of Correction).
Timeline
OATH sets the deadlines to request a new hearing / vacate a default — confirm the current OATH procedure and timeframe, as they govern your window to reopen.
Related Laws & Rules
- OATH rules
- 1 RCNY §102-01
Frequently Asked Questions
I missed my OATH hearing — can I still fix it?
Often yes. You may request a new hearing or move to vacate the default per OATH procedure, correct the underlying condition with a Licensed Master Plumber, and present proof at the rescheduled hearing to seek mitigation or dismissal.
How much higher is a default penalty?
A default judgment imposes a penalty five times the standard amount.
Do I still have to correct the condition after reopening?
Yes. Reopening addresses the penalty; the underlying condition must still be corrected and certified with DOB.
Sources
Clear This Violation With a Licensed Master Plumber
Send us your notice and we'll handle the full plumbing violation removal process — from diagnosis through DOB sign-off. Same-day response.