Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-36
Interior stairs and railings
Operative Text
A. Interior stairs of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound and free from defects. Railings shall be provided for stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. B. Treads or risers that evidence excessive wear or are broken, warped or loose shall be repaired. Stairs shall be securely fastened to supporting structural members and be capable of supporting normally imposed loads. Properly balustraded railings capable of bearing normally imposed loads shall be placed on the open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. (For multiple dwellings, see also Multiple Residence Law .)
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-36 establishes that interior stairs in all residential structures must be structurally sound, free from defects, and securely fastened to supporting members. Treads or risers showing excessive wear, breakage, warping, or looseness must be repaired. Properly balustraded railings capable of bearing normal loads are required on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells. Multiple dwellings are also subject to additional requirements under New York's Multiple Residence Law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-36, compliant property operators routinely inspect interior stairs for worn, broken, warped, or loose treads and risers and arrange timely repairs. They ensure that stairs are securely fastened to structural members and that all open portions of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells are fitted with properly balustraded railings capable of bearing normally imposed loads. Operators of multiple dwellings also cross-reference the New York Multiple Residence Law, which may impose additional stairway and railing standards.
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 § 231-36 gives residents of rental housing a basis to expect that interior stairs are structurally sound and that adequate railings are in place on stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells. If stairs are broken, warped, loose, or lack proper railings, tenants may report the condition to Albany's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require repairs. Tenant-rights organizations in Albany can explain how this provision may interact with lease rights, rent withholding options, or other remedies available under local and state law.
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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