Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-17
Miscellaneous requirements for habitable space
Operative Text
A. Dwelling units shall be separated from each other and from other spaces outside the dwelling unit. B. Sleeping rooms within dwelling units shall be separated from each other and from other spaces outside the sleeping rooms to provide privacy. C. Lodging units and boarding units shall be separated from each other and from other spaces outside the lodging units. D. A communal kitchen or dining room in a lodging house shall be accessible to the occupants sharing such kitchen or dining room without going through a dwelling unit or lodging unit of another apartment.
Albany Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-17 establishes baseline separation and privacy requirements for residential spaces. Dwelling units must be physically separated from one another and from exterior spaces, and sleeping rooms within those units must be separated in a way that provides occupant privacy. In lodging and boarding houses, individual units must likewise be separated, and any shared kitchen or dining room must be reachable by occupants without passing through another resident's private unit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 231-17, compliant operators ensure that walls, doors, and other physical barriers adequately separate each dwelling unit, sleeping room, and lodging or boarding unit from adjacent spaces. Shared amenities such as communal kitchens or dining rooms in lodging houses are configured so that occupants can access them via common corridors or hallways rather than through another resident's private quarters. Routine property inspections and thoughtful floor-plan design help operators maintain these separation standards across all habitable spaces.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 231-17 of the Albany Code gives occupants a right to physical separation and privacy within their sleeping rooms and dwelling units, and protects lodging-house residents from having to pass through a neighbor's private space to reach shared kitchens or dining areas. If a rental unit appears to lack adequate separation — for example, if access to a communal kitchen requires walking through another tenant's lodging unit — that condition may constitute a code violation. Tenants who believe their unit does not meet these standards can document the conditions, contact Albany's local code enforcement office to request an inspection, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
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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