N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2014
Window frames and fire escapes (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. At least once every five years, the owner of a dwelling shall paint all exterior window frames and sashes with one coat of an exterior paint. The department may require a more frequent repainting of any window frame or sash, as it deems necessary. This subdivision shall not apply to window frames and sashes of approved atmospheric corrosion resistant metal. b. The owner of a dwelling shall paint every fire escape with two coats of paint of contrasting colors. The owner shall paint the first coat before and the second after erection of a new fire escape, except that this shall not apply to fire escapes constructed of approved atmospheric corrosion resistant metal. Whenever a fire escape becomes corroded, the owner shall scrape and remove the corrosion products and repaint it with two coats of paint of contrasting colors.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2014, dwelling owners are required to repaint all exterior window frames and sashes with at least one coat of exterior paint on a minimum five-year cycle, though the relevant city department can mandate more frequent repainting when it sees fit. Window frames and sashes made of approved atmospheric corrosion resistant metal are exempt from this requirement. Fire escapes must receive two coats of paint in contrasting colors — one before and one after installation of a new fire escape — and whenever corrosion appears, the owner must scrape away the corrosion and apply two fresh contrasting coats; fire escapes made of approved atmospheric corrosion resistant metal are similarly exempt.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential dwellings subject to N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2014 generally maintain a documented schedule for repainting exterior window frames and sashes at least every five years, using an appropriate exterior paint, while keeping records that can demonstrate compliance if the department orders more frequent repainting. For fire escapes, compliant operators typically apply the first coat of paint before a new fire escape is erected and the second coat after installation, using two visually contrasting colors. Routine inspections of fire escapes for signs of corrosion are a standard practice, with prompt scraping and two-coat repainting performed whenever corrosion is discovered.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2014, tenants have a right to live in a dwelling where exterior window frames, sashes, and fire escapes are properly maintained and painted according to the prescribed schedule and standards. Visible corrosion on fire escapes or peeling, unpainted window frames may indicate a violation of these provisions, which tenants can report to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Tenants who believe these maintenance obligations are not being met may also consider reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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