Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 139 § 139-7
Independent inspections
Operative Text
A. As scheduled by the Department of Development, owners and lessors of premises shall be responsible for the inspection and testing of plumbing, heating, gas, and electrical equipment and systems, sprinkler, standpipe, fire-detecting, and fire alarm systems, and elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators used in connection with such premises. B. Inspections and tests shall be made by qualified persons who, because of experience or education, are recognized as competent by the Department of Development. C. If any equipment or system is found to be defective or not in proper operating condition upon inspection or test, the owner or lessor shall promptly remedy such defect or condition. D. Reports of inspections and tests, signed by the tester and a witness, together with a statement of any remedial measures to be taken, shall be filed with the Department of Development within 10 days after each inspection and test. A duplicate of the report shall be kept on the premises, available for examination by the Department of Development or its representatives. E. Reports of inspections and tests shall not be used in or as the basis of prosecution for the existence of a defect or improper condition on the date of inspection.
Section 139-7 of Lackawanna's Code of Ordinances (ch. 139) establishes a system of independent inspections for residential and commercial premises. Property owners and lessors are required to have qualified professionals inspect and test a range of building systems—including plumbing, heating, gas, electrical, fire safety, and vertical transportation equipment—on a schedule set by the Department of Development. Defects discovered during these inspections must be corrected promptly, and signed inspection reports must be submitted to the Department within 10 days. Notably, the provision explicitly protects owners from having their own inspection reports used as the basis for prosecution related to defects found on the date of inspection.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 139-7 of Lackawanna's ch. 139, compliant property owners and lessors generally coordinate with the Department of Development to schedule required inspections, and they engage qualified inspectors—those recognized as competent by the Department based on experience or education—to test all covered systems. When deficiencies are identified, operators typically address them promptly and document the remedial steps taken. Signed inspection reports, including a statement of any corrective measures, are filed with the Department within 10 days of each inspection, and a duplicate copy is kept on-site and made available for Department review.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 139-7 of Lackawanna's ch. 139 establishes that building owners and lessors bear responsibility for ensuring that critical systems—such as heating, plumbing, electrical, and fire safety equipment—are regularly inspected and kept in proper working order. Tenants have an interest in knowing that these inspections are scheduled by the Department of Development and that reports must be kept on the premises and available for examination. If a tenant believes required inspections are not being conducted or that defects are going unaddressed, they may consider contacting the Lackawanna Department of Development directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options under this provision.
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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