Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 242 § 242-13
Unlawful actions (Buffalo Housing Standards Ordinance)
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully deny or unduly delay entry or access to any premises to designated city officer or employee with an inspection warrant authorizing inspection of said premises, to willfully deny or unduly delay or interfere with the inspection authorized by the warrant, or after receiving a copy of an inspection warrant requiring a scheduling of an inspection, to willfully fail to schedule a reasonable date and time for the inspection as set forth in the inspection warrant. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to an application to be in found in contempt of court to pursuant to article 19 of the Judiciary Law, and punishment as provided for therein may include a fine or imprisonment, or both.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 242 § 242-13 makes it unlawful to willfully block, delay, or interfere with a city officer or employee who holds a valid inspection warrant for a property. It also prohibits failing to schedule an inspection within a reasonable time after receiving a warrant that requires scheduling. Violations of this provision can result in a contempt-of-court proceeding under Article 19 of the Judiciary Law, which may carry fines, imprisonment, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 242 § 242-13, compliant property owners and managers generally cooperate promptly when city officers or employees present a valid inspection warrant, grant timely access to the premises, and respond to scheduling requests within a reasonable timeframe as specified in the warrant. Operators typically keep records of warrant receipt and any communications about scheduling to document their cooperation. Willful obstruction or undue delay can expose a property owner to contempt-of-court proceedings with potential fines or imprisonment.
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. 242 § 242-13 governs how city inspections must be handled by those in control of a property, which in some situations may include a tenant who controls access. Tenants who believe a landlord is improperly blocking a city inspection that could address housing conditions may be able to report the obstruction to the relevant city department or raise it as context in a housing complaint. Tenant-rights organizations in Buffalo can help explain how inspection processes intersect with habitability rights and what general options exist.
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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