Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 261 § 261-6
Inspections for violations (Buffalo Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Ordinance)
Operative Text
All inspections made pursuant to Chapter 264 of the City Of Buffalo Code, including, but not limited to, inspections performed as part of an application for a certificate of rental compliance, or based upon the filing of a complaint, shall include a visual assessment for deteriorated paint and bare soil violations. For the purpose of determining whether or not a deteriorated paint violation is interior or exterior as it relates to windows, in addition to that portion of the window component that faces the interior, all exterior-facing portions of the window component, with the exception of the exterior frame or trim, are considered to be interior. When a lead hazard is identified and not cleared within a specified time, a lead hazard violation shall be cited. A certification of clearance is required in order to clear a lead hazard violation. Where the filing of a complaint leads to an inspection, the inspection shall include the unit which is the focus of the complaint and all common areas.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 261 § 261-6 requires that all rental property inspections conducted under Chapter 264 — whether triggered by a certificate of rental compliance application or a tenant complaint — include a visual check for deteriorated paint and bare soil. The rule also clarifies how window components are classified for interior versus exterior paint violations, treating most window surfaces (except the exterior frame or trim) as interior. When a lead hazard is found and not remediated within the required timeframe, a formal lead hazard violation is issued, and only a certification of clearance can resolve it. Complaint-driven inspections must cover both the specific unit named in the complaint and all common areas of the building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 261 § 261-6, compliant operators ensure that every rental inspection — including those tied to certificate of rental compliance applications — is ready for a visual assessment of deteriorated paint and bare soil conditions. Because most window surfaces (excluding the exterior frame or trim) are treated as interior components under this provision, operators generally address paint deterioration on those surfaces as part of interior lead-safe work practices. When a lead hazard is identified, operators obtain a certification of clearance within the specified timeframe to avoid a formal lead hazard violation being cited on the property record.
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. 261 § 261-6 gives tenants a basis to expect that any complaint-triggered inspection will cover not just their individual unit but also all common areas of the building. If a lead hazard is found during that inspection and the landlord does not clear it within the required period, a formal lead hazard violation must be cited, and only a certification of clearance can resolve it. Tenants who believe deteriorated paint or bare soil conditions have not been properly assessed may consider contacting the City of Buffalo's inspection or housing code enforcement office, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for information about available options.
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 In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation