Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-78
Air intake and exhaust openings
Operative Text
A. Air intake and exhaust openings shall be installed, located and maintained so as not to constitute a hazard or nuisance and so as to prevent the possibility of fire, smoke, fumes or foreign matter being drawn into the system. B. Ventilating systems shall be provided with adequate openings for incoming and outgoing air to obtain the required circulation. Intake openings shall provide air from an uncontaminated source. C. Where openings for mechanical exhaust are located in spaces that also contain fuel-burning equipment, there shall be provided fixed intake openings from the exterior to supply sufficient air so that the fuel-burning equipment is not adversely affected. D. Exhaust openings shall be located so that the exhaust air will not create a nuisance.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-78 establishes standards for how air intake and exhaust openings in ventilation systems must be installed, positioned, and maintained. The rule requires that these openings draw air from uncontaminated sources, provide adequate circulation, and avoid creating fire hazards, nuisances, or conditions that could introduce smoke, fumes, or foreign matter into the system. Where mechanical exhaust openings share a space with fuel-burning equipment, the rule further requires fixed exterior intake openings to ensure that equipment operates safely and without interference.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-78, compliant property operators generally ensure that all ventilation intake and exhaust openings are installed in locations free from contamination sources and positioned so that exhaust air does not create a nuisance for neighboring occupants or the public. Operators typically conduct routine inspections to confirm that openings remain unobstructed and that any spaces housing fuel-burning equipment are equipped with fixed exterior intake openings sized to supply sufficient combustion air. Maintaining documentation of ventilation system design and periodic maintenance checks is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with this section.
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 § 231-78 gives occupants a basis to raise concerns when ventilation openings appear to be drawing in contaminated air, creating smoke or fume hazards, or producing nuisance conditions from exhaust. Tenants who observe these conditions may consider documenting the issue and contacting Albany's local code enforcement or housing inspection office to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations in the Albany area can also help residents understand how this provision may relate to habitability standards and what general options exist for addressing ventilation deficiencies.
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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