Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-38
Prohibited accumulations and storage
Operative Text
It shall be prohibited: A. To accumulate or store on residential premises, except in approved locations, any highly flammable or explosive matter, such as paints, volatile oils, cleaning fluids and similar materials, or any combustible refuse, such as wastepaper, boxes, rags or similar materials; and B. To accumulate or store materials on fire escapes or stairs, in stairways or passageways, at doors or windows or under public stairs or in any other location where in the event of fire such materials may obstruct egress of occupants or interfere with fire-fighting operations.
Albany Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-38 prohibits two categories of hazardous storage in residential settings. First, it bars the keeping of highly flammable or explosive substances—such as paints, volatile oils, and cleaning fluids—as well as combustible refuse like wastepaper, boxes, and rags, anywhere on residential premises except in locations that have been specifically approved for such storage. Second, it forbids placing any materials on fire escapes, stairs, stairways, passageways, doorways, windows, or under public stairs—essentially any spot where those materials could block residents from exiting or hamper firefighting efforts during an emergency.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties subject to Albany Code ch. 231 § 231-38 generally maintain clear, unobstructed egress routes at all times, ensuring that fire escapes, stairways, hallways, and doorways are kept free of stored goods of any kind. Compliant operators also designate and communicate to residents any approved storage locations for flammable or combustible materials, and conduct routine inspections to confirm that no such materials have accumulated in prohibited areas. Keeping records of inspections and any corrective actions taken can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with § 231-38.
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 § 231-38, tenants have an interest in living in a building where egress routes and storage areas meet fire-safety standards, and where landlords are not permitting dangerous accumulations of flammable or combustible materials. If a tenant observes blocked fire escapes, cluttered stairways, or improper storage of hazardous materials, they may consider reporting the condition to Albany's local code enforcement or fire marshal's office, which can investigate potential violations of § 231-38. Tenant-rights organizations in Albany can also help residents understand what options are generally available when fire-safety conditions in a building appear to fall short of the code's requirements.
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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