Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-14
Habitable space; size
Operative Text
A. Habitable space shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven feet six inches over 50% of the floor area; and the floor area where the ceiling height is less than five feet shall not be considered in computing floor area. B. A dwelling unit shall contain at least one habitable room having a minimum of 120 square feet of floor area and a minimum horizontal dimension of 10 feet. C. Kitchens shall have a minimum of 60 square feet of floor area, and other habitable spaces shall contain not less than 70 square feet of floor area and shall have a minimum horizontal dimension of seven feet. D. Every alcove less than 60 square feet in area, except a cooking space or foyer, shall be deemed to be part of a habitable room. The area of the opening in the dividing partition between the alcove and the room shall be at least 80% of the wall area of such partition, measured on the alcove side, but not less than 40 square feet. The depth of such alcove shall not exceed half its width. The floor area of the alcove shall be added to the floor area of the room in determining light and ventilation requirements for the room. An alcove with an area of 60 square feet or more, but less than the required area of a habitable room, shall be separately lighted and ventilated as required for habitable space.
Albany Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-14 establishes minimum size and dimension standards for habitable spaces in dwelling units. Ceilings must reach at least seven feet six inches over half the floor area, and each unit must include at least one room of 120 square feet with a 10-foot horizontal span. Kitchens require at least 60 square feet, other habitable rooms at least 70 square feet, and alcoves are subject to specific rules about how their area is counted and how they must be lit and ventilated.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany Code ch. 231 § 231-14, compliant operators ensure that every habitable room meets the prescribed ceiling height, square footage, and horizontal dimension requirements before renting a unit. Landlords and property managers typically document room measurements, verify that alcoves meeting the size thresholds are separately lighted and ventilated, and confirm that no non-conforming floor area is counted toward required minimums. Maintaining records of these measurements can support compliance during inspections or code-enforcement reviews.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany Code ch. 231 § 231-14 gives tenants a basis to question whether their dwelling unit meets minimum habitable-space standards, including ceiling height, room size, and alcove configuration. If a unit appears to fall short of these requirements, tenants may consider filing a complaint with the local code-enforcement or housing authority, raising the violation in relevant housing proceedings, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Documenting the physical dimensions of the space can be a useful step when pursuing any of these general paths.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.