N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2064
Size and construction of water closet compartments (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. Every water closet compartment shall be at least two feet, four inches in clear width. b. The walls enclosing every water closet compartment shall extend from floor to ceiling except in general toilet or bath rooms. c. The walls of every water closet compartment and general toilet or bath room shall be plastered, tiled or covered with similar materials approved by the department. d. The floor of every water closet compartment, bath room or general toilet room shall be waterproofed with material approved by the department. Such waterproofing shall extend at least six inches above the floor, except at the doors. e. Drip trays are prohibited. f. No water closet or other plumbing fixture shall be enclosed with any woodwork.
N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2064 establishes minimum physical standards for water closet compartments and bathroom spaces in New York City residential buildings. Each water closet compartment must be at least two feet, four inches wide in clear interior space, and its walls must run from floor to ceiling except in shared toilet or bath rooms. Wall surfaces must be plastered, tiled, or finished with a department-approved material, floors must be waterproofed with an approved material extending at least six inches up the walls, drip trays are prohibited, and no plumbing fixture may be enclosed with woodwork.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 et seq. § 27-2064 generally ensure that every water closet compartment meets the minimum 2-foot-4-inch clear width requirement and that compartment walls extend fully from floor to ceiling in non-shared facilities. Compliant operators use only department-approved materials for wall finishes and floor waterproofing, confirm that waterproofing runs at least six inches up from the floor at all points except doorways, and avoid drip trays or any woodwork enclosures around plumbing fixtures. Routine inspections and documentation of approved materials can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with these construction and maintenance standards.
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. § 27-2064 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a water closet compartment is too narrow, walls are improperly finished or do not extend to the ceiling, floors lack adequate waterproofing, drip trays are present, or plumbing fixtures are enclosed in woodwork. Tenants who believe these standards are not being met may file a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which has authority to inspect and cite violations of the Housing Maintenance Code. 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.