N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2037
Duty to provide electric lighting equipment in all dwellings (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
The owner shall equip every dwelling for lighting by electricity. Such owner shall provide and maintain light fixtures to provide lighting for all public parts in a dwelling, including the means of egress, for every room, water closet compartment and bathroom in every dwelling unit, and for every water closet without the dwelling unit. In addition to required light fixtures, the owner shall install and maintain such receptacle outlets as may be required by the electrical code. Except as otherwise provided in this code or in the electrical code, the owner may substitute an additional receptacle outlet for a required light fixture in living rooms other than kitchens.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2037, every dwelling in New York City must be equipped for electric lighting, with the owner responsible for providing and maintaining light fixtures in all public areas, means of egress, individual rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments. Required electrical receptacle outlets must also be installed and maintained in accordance with the electrical code. In living rooms other than kitchens, an additional receptacle outlet may serve in place of a required light fixture, subject to the conditions set out in the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Compliant property owners operating under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2037 generally ensure that every dwelling unit and all common areas are fully equipped with functioning electric light fixtures, covering hallways, stairwells, egress paths, bathrooms, and water closet compartments. They also install and maintain receptacle outlets as required by the New York City Electrical Code, keeping records of inspections and any repairs. Operators who wish to substitute a receptacle outlet for a light fixture in a living room (excluding kitchens) confirm that the substitution meets all applicable code conditions before making the change.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2037 establishes that tenants are entitled to properly installed and maintained electric lighting equipment throughout their dwelling unit and in all shared building areas, including hallways and egress routes. If lighting fixtures or required outlets are missing, broken, or not maintained, this may constitute a housing code violation that can be reported to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Tenants who believe their building is out of compliance may also consider consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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