N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2057
Lighting and ventilation in multiple dwellings; general requirements (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. No multiple dwelling shall be so altered as to diminish the light and ventilation of any room in any way not approved by the department. b. Every required window shall be so located as to light properly all portions of the room. c. Any obstruction of required light and ventilation shall be unlawful.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2057, multiple dwellings in New York City may not be altered in ways that reduce the light or ventilation of any room unless the city's housing department approves the change. Every window required by code must be positioned so that it adequately illuminates all parts of the room it serves. Any obstruction of required light or ventilation—whether structural or otherwise—is considered unlawful under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2057 generally ensure that no renovation, addition, or structural change reduces the light or ventilation of any room without prior departmental approval. Compliant operators verify that all required windows are placed to properly illuminate the full area of each room and that no fixtures, partitions, or other elements block mandated light or airflow. Keeping documentation of any department-approved alterations is a common practice for demonstrating ongoing compliance with this section.
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. § 27-2057 gives tenants in multiple dwellings the right to adequate light and ventilation in every room, and any obstruction of those requirements is explicitly unlawful. Tenants who believe an alteration has unlawfully reduced their light or ventilation, or that a required window is improperly positioned, may file a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what documentation to gather and what remedies may be available 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 September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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