N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2035
Gas-fired refrigerators (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. It shall be unlawful to install or furnish for use or to use, operate, or permit to be used or operated in a dwelling any gas-fired refrigerator: (1) Which utilizes a water-cooled gas-fired refrigerator unit; or (2) Which is not equipped with a flue and flue components wholly composed of a non-metallic material or of molybdenum stainless steel or aluminum; or (3) Which is not equipped with a fixed mounted dust incinerating type of gas burner, gas pressure regulator, gas supply filter, and thermostat; or (4) Which does not have a properly operating automatic regulating or safety device of a type installed or specified by the manufacturer, or which has a clogged flue, or an improperly operating burner, or which gives off excessive heat or odors or discharges carbon monoxide or is otherwise defective. b. Inspectors or other duly authorized representatives of the department may seal any refrigerator which is in violation of this section. Any refrigerator so sealed shall not be installed, used, or operated without the written permission of the department.
New York City Administrative Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2035 prohibits the installation, use, or operation of gas-fired refrigerators in dwellings unless they meet specific safety standards. These standards cover the type of cooling unit, flue materials (non-metallic, molybdenum stainless steel, or aluminum), required fixed components such as a dust-incinerating burner and pressure regulator, and proper functioning of all automatic safety devices. A refrigerator found to violate these requirements may be sealed by city inspectors, after which it cannot be used again without written departmental approval.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under §§ 27-2001 and 27-2035, property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that any gas-fired refrigerator installed or made available in a dwelling unit meets all enumerated safety specifications, including approved flue materials and properly functioning burners, regulators, and thermostats. Compliant operators routinely verify that manufacturer-specified safety devices remain operational and that flues are clear and unobstructed. If a city inspector seals a non-compliant unit, operators must obtain written permission from the department before the appliance can be returned to service.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in dwellings covered by §§ 27-2001 and 27-2035 have a right to housing free from gas-fired refrigerators that fail the safety standards described in this provision, including units with clogged flues, malfunctioning burners, or those emitting carbon monoxide or excessive odors. If a tenant believes a gas-fired refrigerator in their unit is defective or non-compliant, one general path is to report the condition to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which has authority to inspect and seal violating appliances. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options may be available when a landlord fails to address a potentially hazardous appliance.
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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