Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-4
Applications; filing of required information (Buffalo Property Managers Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. Every applicant for a license issued pursuant to this chapter shall submit the following information: (1) The name, address, e-mail address (if applicable) and telephone number of the individual or entity applying for the license. (2) A description of all properties proposed to be managed by the applicant, including the street addresses, owners, and number of units. (3) Proof of insurance in amounts satisfactory to the Department of Permit and Inspection Services, if deemed necessary by the Commissioner or his designee. (4) If an applicant will collect rents or negotiate rental of property, a copy of his New York State real estate broker's license is required. If an applicant is licensed as "Associate Real Estate Broker" or "Real Estate Salesperson" a copy of the real estate broker's license they work under is required. If an applicant is strictly performing maintenance and no rents are collected or negotiating of rental property is done, then a broker's license is not required. (5) Other additional information as required by the City of Buffalo. B. Such information shall be filed and updated annually with the Department of Permit and Inspection Services.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-4 establishes what information must be submitted when applying for a property management license under Chapter 265. Applicants must provide contact details, a description of all properties to be managed, proof of insurance if required, and—when rent collection or lease negotiation is involved—evidence of a valid New York State real estate broker's license. All submitted information must be filed with the Department of Permit and Inspection Services and refreshed on an annual basis.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-4, compliant property owners and managers ensure their license application package includes complete contact information, a full list of managed properties with addresses and unit counts, and any insurance documentation the Department of Permit and Inspection Services requests. Operators who collect rent or negotiate leases on behalf of owners keep a current New York State real estate broker's license—or a copy of the supervising broker's license if they hold an associate or salesperson designation—on file with the Department. Because the provision requires annual updates, compliant operators treat the filing as a recurring obligation rather than a one-time submission.
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. 265 § 265-4 requires that anyone managing rental property in Buffalo—including collecting rent or negotiating leases—hold and disclose the appropriate New York State real estate broker's license and keep that information current with the Department of Permit and Inspection Services each year. Tenants who have questions about whether their property manager is properly licensed can contact the Department of Permit and Inspection Services to inquire about a manager's compliance status. Tenant-rights organizations in the Buffalo area can also help residents understand what remedies or defenses may be available when a manager appears to be operating without the credentials this section requires.
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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