Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-19
Light and ventilation for public space
Operative Text
A. Public spaces shall be provided with electric light. B. In public stairs, stairways and passageways, electric lighting shall be available at all times so as to afford safe passage for occupants and users. Such lighting shall conform to the following: (1) A sufficient number of fixtures shall be provided so that the distance between fixtures is not more than 30 feet and so that no wall is more than 15 feet distant from a fixture. (2) Incandescent lighting shall be based on not less than one-four (1/4) watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps with a total of not less than 25 watts. (3) Fluorescent lighting shall be based on not less than one-tenth (1/10) watt per square foot of floor area, except that each fixture shall have a lamp or lamps of a total of not less than 15 watts. (4) Where under these formulas the calculated wattage does not correspond to that of a standard lamp, the next larger size shall be used. C. Public spaces shall be provided with either natural ventilation, conforming to the requirements for habitable space, or with mechanical ventilation.
Albany Code § 231-19 establishes minimum standards for lighting and ventilation in the public areas of residential buildings. Electric lighting must be continuously available in public stairs, stairways, and passageways, with fixtures spaced no more than 30 feet apart and no wall more than 15 feet from a fixture; specific wattage minimums apply depending on whether incandescent or fluorescent bulbs are used. Public spaces must also have either natural ventilation meeting habitable-space requirements or a functioning mechanical ventilation system.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany Code § 231-19, operators of residential buildings are generally expected to maintain continuously available electric lighting throughout public stairs, stairways, and passageways, ensuring fixtures are placed within the spacing and wattage thresholds the provision specifies. Compliant operators also verify that public spaces receive adequate ventilation—either natural ventilation meeting habitable-space standards or a properly functioning mechanical system. Routine inspections of bulb wattage, fixture placement, and ventilation equipment help demonstrate ongoing compliance with § 231-19.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany Code § 231-19 gives occupants a right to adequately lit and ventilated common areas, including stairs and passageways that must be lit at all times for safe passage. If lighting is out, fixtures are too far apart, or ventilation is absent in public spaces, tenants may document the conditions and report them to Albany's code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Albany's housing code can help residents understand the options available when a building appears to fall short of the § 231-19 standards.
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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