Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-42
Equipment; maintenance
Operative Text
A. Plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigerating, cooking, fire protection and radiation-production equipment, elevators, dumbwaiters, moving stairs and other mechanical additions, installations or systems for the use of the building shall be installed, located and maintained so that under normal conditions of use such equipment and systems will not be a danger to health or welfare, a danger because of structural defects or a source of ignition or a radiation hazard and will not create excessive noise or otherwise become a nuisance or a hazard. Equipment and systems include, but are not limited to, apparatus, devices, fixtures, piping, pipe hangers, pipe covering, wiring, fittings and materials used as part of or in connection with such installations. B. Equipment and systems subject to damage from freezing shall be adequately protected against freezing. C. Moving parts of equipment which may be a potential hazard shall be guarded to protect against accidental contact.
Albany Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-42 establishes that all mechanical systems in a building—including plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilation, elevators, and similar equipment—must be installed and kept in a condition that does not endanger health, safety, or structural integrity, and does not create fire, radiation, noise, or other hazards. The rule also requires that equipment vulnerable to freezing be adequately protected, and that moving parts posing a hazard be guarded against accidental contact. The provision covers a broad range of components, from piping and wiring to fixtures and fittings, as long as they are part of or connected to these systems.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-42, compliant property operators routinely inspect and service all mechanical systems—heating, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, elevators, and related equipment—to ensure they remain free of health, fire, radiation, and structural hazards. Operators also take steps to winterize any freeze-sensitive equipment before cold weather arrives and install appropriate guards on moving parts that could cause accidental injury. Keeping detailed maintenance records and scheduling regular professional inspections are practices commonly associated with meeting the broad scope of equipment covered by this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-42 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when building equipment—such as heating systems, plumbing, electrical wiring, elevators, or ventilation—is poorly maintained, creates hazards, generates excessive noise, or poses a danger to health or safety. Tenants who observe such conditions may consider documenting the issues and reporting them to the City of Albany's code enforcement or housing inspection office, which has authority over compliance with this chapter. Tenant-rights organizations in Albany can also help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under this provision.
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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