Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-3
Lodging house license application and approvals (Buffalo Lodging Houses Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. Every person, firm, corporation, or like entity in applying for a license to conduct, use, operate, or maintain a lodging house shall submit with its application the following information: (1) The name and address of a permanent resident of the City of Buffalo who shall be the agent and responsible for the management of said lodging house. The Commissioner shall approve of any proposed agent and the agent shall obtain a license in accordance with § 269-5 . This requirement shall not apply to those lodging houses exempt from providing an agent as also provided for in § 269-5G . (2) A description of the property by street number, the number of rooming units on the premises, the number and location of rooms and beds to be used for lodging house purposes on the premises. (3) The number of persons occupying each rooming unit. (4) A plan or diagram of the lot containing the lodging house and of each floor in the building, showing all dimensions, doors, windows, closets, water closets, bathrooms, staircases and means of exit. B. Such information shall be filed annually with the Erie County Department of Health, unless the applicant shall state, under affidavit, that no changes have been made affecting the previous plan or diagram filed.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-3 establishes what information must accompany an application for a lodging house license in the City of Buffalo. Applicants must provide details about the property's layout, occupancy, and a designated local agent responsible for management, among other specifics. This information must be refreshed annually with the Erie County Department of Health, unless the operator swears under affidavit that nothing has changed from the previously filed plan or diagram.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators seeking or renewing a lodging house license under ch. 269 § 269-3 generally ensure their application package includes a named Buffalo-resident agent approved by the Commissioner, a full property description with rooming unit counts, occupancy figures for each unit, and a detailed floor plan showing exits, windows, and sanitary facilities. Compliant operators also file updated information with the Erie County Department of Health each year, or submit a sworn affidavit confirming that no material changes have occurred since the last filing. Keeping these records current and accurate is a standard part of maintaining a valid lodging house license in Buffalo.
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. 269 § 269-3 requires that every licensed lodging house have a named, locally resident agent on record who is responsible for the property's management — meaning tenants have a documented point of contact they may be able to identify through public records. If a lodging house appears to be operating without a proper license or without the required agent information on file, tenants can raise that concern with the Erie County Department of Health, which receives the annual filings under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in the Buffalo area can help residents understand what records should be on file and what options may be available if a landlord is not in compliance.
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
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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation