Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-77
Ventilation; multiple dwellings
Operative Text
A. Ventilating systems shall be installed and maintained so that the rapid spread of heat, flame or smoke through the system will be prevented and so that under conditions of use the temperature of any combustible material adjacent thereto or in contact therewith will not exceed a safe temperature. B. Stairways, shafts, hoistways or attics shall not be used as plenum chambers. C. Ducts shall be securely fastened in place and appropriately firestopped. D. Ducts and other air-handling equipment shall be of noncombustible material. E. Filters shall be installed and maintained so as not to constitute a fire or smoke hazard. F. Ducts passing through or located within combustible construction shall be separated from such construction by a clearance of at least one-half (1/2) inch or by a noncombustible insulating material at least one-fourth-inch thick. G. Air required for ventilation shall be taken from the exterior or shall be quality controlled. H. Exhaust air from a dwelling unit or a space the contents of which may emit odors, fumes or vapors shall not be circulated to other occupied spaces within the building.
Albany Code § 231-77 establishes fire-safety and air-quality standards for ventilation systems in multiple dwellings. The rule requires that ductwork, filters, and air-handling equipment be made of noncombustible materials, properly secured, and firestopped to prevent the rapid spread of heat, flame, or smoke. It also prohibits exhaust air from individual dwelling units or odor-producing spaces from being recirculated to other occupied areas of the building, and bars the use of stairways, shafts, hoistways, or attics as plenum chambers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to Albany Code § 231-77 generally ensure that all ventilation system components—ducts, filters, and air-handling equipment—are constructed of noncombustible materials and kept in good repair. Compliant buildings maintain proper clearances or noncombustible insulation where ducts pass through combustible construction, and ventilation air is drawn from the exterior or is quality-controlled. Exhaust systems are configured so that air from individual units or odor-producing spaces is discharged without being recirculated to other occupied portions of the building.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Albany multiple dwellings are protected under § 231-77 by standards requiring that ventilation systems not spread fire, heat, or smoke and that exhaust air from one unit not be recirculated into other occupied spaces. If a tenant observes conditions suggesting these standards are not being met—such as visible duct damage, improper filter maintenance, or shared exhaust air—they may report concerns to the City of Albany's code enforcement or building inspection office. Tenants may also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how a violation of § 231-77 could be raised in a housing proceeding.
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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