N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2056.21
Definitions (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
For the purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings: Common area. The term “common area” means a portion of a multiple dwelling that is not within a dwelling unit and is regularly used by occupants for access to and egress from any dwelling unit within such multiple dwelling. Covered dwelling unit. The term “covered dwelling unit” means any dwelling unit where a child under the age of 6 resides. Covered multiple dwelling. The term “covered multiple dwelling” means a multiple dwelling in which there is at least 1 covered dwelling unit. Inspector. The term “inspector” means a licensed master plumber, high-pressure boiler operating engineer or stationary engineer, oil burning equipment installer, mechanical contractor, building superintendent, heating plant technician employed by the New York city housing authority, heating maintenance worker employed by the New York city housing authority, an individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master plumber, an individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed high-pressure boiler operating engineer or stationary engineer, an individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed oil burning equipment installer, or an individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of a mechanical contractor that conducts inspections of steam radiators pursuant to this article. Steam radiator. The term “steam radiator” means a heat exchanger that is a component of a central heating system that uses steam to provide heat to rooms. (L.L. 2025/151, 11/8/2025, eff. 5/7/2026)
N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 27-2056.21 establishes the working vocabulary for the article governing steam radiator inspections in residential buildings. It defines key terms—such as 'covered dwelling unit' (any unit where a child under six lives), 'covered multiple dwelling,' 'common area,' 'steam radiator,' and 'inspector'—that determine which buildings, units, and personnel fall within the article's scope. These definitions set the boundaries of who and what is regulated under the broader steam radiator inspection requirements that take effect May 7, 2026.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 27-2056.21, property owners and managers should understand that a building becomes a 'covered multiple dwelling' the moment even one dwelling unit is occupied by a child under the age of six, triggering the article's inspection obligations. The definition of 'inspector' is specific and includes licensed master plumbers, certain engineers, and other qualified individuals—meaning operators generally ensure that any steam radiator inspection is conducted by someone who meets one of the enumerated credential categories. Staying current on tenant occupancy, particularly the presence of young children, is a practice consistent with compliance under this article.
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 § 27-2056.21 defines the terms that determine whether your home and building are covered by the city's steam radiator inspection rules, which take effect May 7, 2026. If a child under the age of six lives in your unit, your dwelling qualifies as a 'covered dwelling unit,' which means the broader protections and inspection requirements of this article apply to your building. Tenants who believe their building may be subject to these rules and have questions about their rights can consult the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
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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