Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-16
Light and ventilation for habitable space
Operative Text
A. Habitable space shall be provided with natural light through one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels, or any combinations thereof, that face directly on legal open spaces at least six inches above the adjoining finished grade or are above a roof. The amount of light required for each room shall be equivalent to that transmitted through clear glass equal in area to 10% of the floor area of the habitable space. B. Habitable space shall be provided with electric light. C. Every habitable room shall be provided with natural ventilation through at least one window opening that faces directly on legal open space. No such window shall be less than 12 square feet in area between stop-beads, and the top of at least one window shall not be less than six feet six inches above the floor. It shall be constructed so that at least 45% of its area may be opened. A skylight arranged to give a clear ventilating opening of eight square feet shall be deemed the equivalent of the window called for, but such skylight shall not be placed on any shaft on which a window of a toilet room opens. D. Habitable space also may be provided with mechanical ventilation, in lieu of or in addition to natural ventilation.
Albany Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-16 establishes minimum standards for light and ventilation in habitable spaces. Every habitable room must receive natural light through windows, skylights, or similar glazing totaling at least 10% of the room's floor area, and must also have electric lighting. For ventilation, at least one window must be no smaller than 12 square feet, must open at least 45% of its area, and must have its top edge at least six feet six inches above the floor — though mechanical ventilation may supplement or replace natural ventilation in some cases.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Albany should ensure that every habitable room meets the natural light and ventilation thresholds set out in ch. 231 § 231-16. Compliant properties typically feature windows or skylights with a combined glazed area equal to at least 10% of each room's floor area, along with functional electric lighting. Ventilation openings are generally verified to meet the 12-square-foot minimum, the 45% openable-area requirement, and the six-foot-six-inch height standard before a unit is offered for occupancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Albany Code ch. 231 § 231-16, tenants in habitable rooms are entitled to adequate natural light, electric lighting, and proper ventilation as defined by specific dimensional standards. If a room lacks sufficient window area, openable ventilation, or electric light, that condition may constitute a code violation that can be reported to Albany's code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenants may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how a violation of § 231-16 could be raised in a housing proceeding or habitability dispute.
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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