Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 154, art. IV § 154-16
Notification to multiple dwelling owners (Buffalo Fair Housing Ordinance)
Operative Text
Every owner required to obtain a certificate of occupancy as detailed in Buffalo Code § 129-6 shall also complete a certification before said certificate of occupancy may be issued that the owner is fully aware of the Fair Housing Ordinance for the City of Buffalo and has received a copy of said ordinance. The Department of Permit and Inspection Services shall ensure that such owners receive a copy of the Fair Housing Ordinance.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 154, art. IV § 154-16, any owner of a multiple dwelling who must obtain a certificate of occupancy is also required to complete a certification acknowledging awareness of Buffalo's Fair Housing Ordinance and confirming receipt of a copy of it. The Department of Permit and Inspection Services is responsible for distributing that ordinance to qualifying owners. No certificate of occupancy may be issued until this certification step is completed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to the certificate of occupancy requirement under Buffalo Code § 129-6 must, per ch. 154, art. IV § 154-16, complete a fair housing certification as part of the permitting process. Compliant operators typically ensure this certification is signed and submitted before the certificate of occupancy is finalized, and they retain the copy of the Fair Housing Ordinance provided by the Department of Permit and Inspection Services. Overlooking this step can delay or block issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 154, art. IV § 154-16 establishes that owners of multiple dwellings must formally acknowledge Buffalo's Fair Housing Ordinance before receiving a certificate of occupancy, which signals a baseline awareness of fair housing protections on the part of the property owner. Tenants who believe a landlord has violated fair housing principles may find it useful to reference the Fair Housing Ordinance itself, which the Department of Permit and Inspection Services is required to distribute to owners. Tenant-rights organizations in Buffalo can help residents understand what protections the Fair Housing Ordinance provides and what avenues exist for raising concerns.
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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