Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-99
Responsibilities of owners
Operative Text
A. Owners, operators and occupants who are responsible by reason of agreement or law shall be responsible for compliance with all provisions of this code. B. Owners of premises shall also be responsible for proper maintenance, condition and function of their property and service facilities. Unless otherwise agreed in writing with a tenant, the owner shall be responsible for furnishing adequate heat and hot-water supply, except in units with individual heating system or domestic hot-water supply. C. In the event that cooking and/or refrigeration equipment is provided by the owner, the owner shall maintain the same in proper operating condition. See § 231-73 . D. The owner, operator or agent in control of the building shall be responsible for the following: (1) Limiting occupancy to the maximum number of persons permitted and prohibiting unlawful uses. (2) Posting required statements of the maximum number of occupants permitted. (3) Maintenance of the premises in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. (4) Maintenance of the operation of service facilities in good order and condition. (5) Maintenance of plumbing, heating and electrical equipment and systems, appliances, fixtures, as well as other building equipment and facilities, in an appropriate, good operative, clean and sanitary condition. (6) Maintenance of walls, floors and ceilings in public places in a clean and sanitary condition. (7) Keeping exits free and clear.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-99 establishes that property owners, operators, and occupants bear responsibility for complying with the housing code based on their role or agreement. Owners carry broad duties covering the physical upkeep of their buildings, including heat, hot water, plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances—unless a written agreement shifts certain responsibilities. The provision also requires that occupancy limits be posted and enforced, exits remain clear, and all common areas be kept clean and sanitary.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-99, compliant property owners and operators generally ensure that all service facilities—heating, plumbing, electrical systems, and any owner-supplied cooking or refrigeration equipment—are kept in good working order at all times. Operators typically post the maximum permitted occupancy in required locations, enforce those limits, and keep exits unobstructed and common areas clean and sanitary. Any written agreement that shifts heat or hot-water responsibility to a tenant should be clearly documented, as the default obligation under § 231-99 rests with the owner.
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 § 231-99 gives tenants a basis to expect that their landlord will maintain heat, hot water, plumbing, electrical systems, and any owner-provided appliances in proper working condition, unless a written agreement specifies otherwise. Tenants who experience failures in these areas may have grounds to raise a violation of § 231-99 when reporting concerns to Albany's code enforcement office or relevant local housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations in the Albany area can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what complaint or defense options 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.