Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 § 270-5
Civil penalties (Buffalo Eviction for Illegal Drug Use Ordinance)
Operative Text
A court granting a petition pursuant to this section may, in addition to any other order provided by law, make an order imposing and requiring the payment by the respondent of a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 to the municipality in which the subject premises is located and the payment of reasonable attorneys' fees and the costs of the proceeding to the petitioner. In any such case, multiple respondents shall be jointly and severally liable for any payment so ordered, and the amounts of such payments shall constitute a lien upon the subject real property.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 § 270-5, a court that grants a petition under this section has the authority to impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 payable to the municipality where the property is located. The court may also order the losing party to pay the petitioner's reasonable attorneys' fees and the costs of the proceeding. When multiple respondents are involved, they share joint and several liability for any amounts ordered, and those amounts become a lien on the subject property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 § 270-5 gives courts the power to impose civil penalties up to $5,000 against respondents in a petition proceeding, on top of attorneys' fees and court costs awarded to the opposing party. Operators who own or manage properties subject to this chapter generally maintain compliance with all applicable requirements to avoid exposure to these financial consequences. When multiple owners or managers are named as respondents, each can be held responsible for the full amount ordered, and any unpaid amounts may attach as a lien to the property itself.
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. 270 § 270-5 establishes that a court may award civil penalties up to $5,000 against a respondent, along with reasonable attorneys' fees and proceeding costs in favor of the petitioner. Tenants who believe a violation has occurred under this chapter may explore filing or supporting a petition in court as one potential enforcement path. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with Buffalo housing law can help explain what remedies may be available and how the lien and joint-and-several-liability provisions could affect a particular property.
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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