Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-101
Responsibilities of occupants
Operative Text
A. In conjunction with the owner of the premises, occupants of dwelling units shall be responsible for compliance with this Code in regard to the following: (1) Occupancy limitations and its lawfully permitted use. (2) Maintenance in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. (3) Maintenance of plumbing, cooking and refrigeration equipment, appliances, fixtures and facilities, in a clean and sanitary condition, and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof. (4) Keeping exits free and clear. (5) Disposing of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a sanitary manner, and keeping the premises free and clear therefrom. (6) Keeping domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control. B. In the event that cooking and/or refrigeration equipment is provided by the occupant, the occupant shall maintain the same in proper operating condition. See § 231-73 .
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-101 establishes that dwelling-unit occupants share responsibility with property owners for a defined set of housing-code obligations. These obligations cover matters such as staying within lawful occupancy limits, keeping the unit clean and sanitary, maintaining plumbing and kitchen equipment in good condition, keeping exits clear, disposing of garbage properly, and controlling pets. When a tenant supplies their own cooking or refrigeration equipment, that tenant bears responsibility for keeping that equipment in proper working order, as further addressed in § 231-73.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-101, responsibility for many basic habitability conditions is shared between the owner and the occupant rather than resting solely with the owner. Compliant operators typically document the condition of plumbing, cooking, and refrigeration equipment at move-in and move-out, and they maintain clear records of which appliances were provided by the owner versus the tenant. Owners also generally ensure that exit pathways and refuse facilities are in place and accessible so that occupants can fulfill their side of the shared obligation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-101 makes clear that tenants carry an active, co-equal duty alongside the owner to keep their unit clean, sanitary, and within lawful occupancy limits, and to maintain exits, garbage facilities, and pet control. Tenants who supply their own appliances are specifically responsible for keeping those items in proper operating condition under this section and the related § 231-73. Tenants who believe an owner is failing to meet the owner's side of these shared obligations may consider contacting Albany's code enforcement office, consulting a local tenant-rights organization, or raising the violation as a defense in a relevant proceeding.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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