Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-5
Referral of license application (Buffalo Property Managers Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. All applications for licenses and renewals thereof shall be referred by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services to the Buffalo Police Department for approval. Upon receipt of said referral, the Buffalo Police Department shall promptly cause an investigation to be made into the criminal background and professional fitness of the applicant and shall promptly report to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services as to whether or not approval and issuance of the license is recommended. If approval is not recommended, such report shall state the reasons therefore. B. All applications for licenses and renewals shall also be forwarded to the Assistant Corporation Counsel acting as Housing Court Prosecutor within the City of Buffalo Law Department for review and comment. Said Housing Court Prosecutor shall have 14 days to review and comment upon the application after his or her receipt thereof, based on his or her familiarity with the applicant from past cases he or she may have been involved in. C. All new applications for a property manager license shall be referred to the Common Council for approval.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-5 establishes a multi-step referral process for rental license applications and renewals in Buffalo. The Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services routes each application to the Buffalo Police Department, which investigates the applicant's criminal background and professional fitness and reports back with a recommendation. Applications are also sent to the Housing Court Prosecutor in the City of Buffalo Law Department for a 14-day review period, and any new property manager license applications must additionally receive approval from the Common Council.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 265 § 265-5, operators seeking a rental license or renewal in Buffalo should expect their application to pass through several reviewing bodies before a decision is reached. A compliant applicant submits complete and accurate materials so that the Buffalo Police Department can conduct its background and fitness investigation without delay, and so the Housing Court Prosecutor has what is needed for the 14-day review window. Those applying for a new property manager license should also account for the additional step of Common Council approval, which can extend the overall timeline.
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 § 265-5 means that landlords and property managers operating in Buffalo are subject to background and fitness screening before they can be licensed or have their license renewed. Tenants who have concerns about whether their landlord holds a valid license, or about the fitness of a property manager, may find it useful to contact the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services or the City of Buffalo Law Department to understand the status of a license. Tenant-rights organizations in Buffalo can also help residents understand how the licensing process intersects with their housing rights.
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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