N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2119
Penalties; refusal to admit and interference with inspection; failure to submit reports (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
Any person (1) who refuses entry, or access to an officer or inspector of the department to any premises or part thereof that the officer or inspector is lawfully authorized to inspect, or who unreasonably interferes with an authorized inspection; or (2) who fails to file any report or other paper which such person is required to file, under this code, except a statement of registration or other paper under article two of subchapter four of this chapter, shall be guilty of an offense, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2119, this provision establishes that blocking or unreasonably obstructing an authorized city inspector from entering premises, or failing to file required reports under the Housing Maintenance Code (with certain registration-related exceptions), constitutes a punishable offense. A person found guilty may face a fine of up to $50, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both. The rule applies broadly to any person who controls access to a property or who has a filing obligation under the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2119 generally ensure that city housing inspectors are granted timely and unobstructed access to all areas of a property they are lawfully authorized to inspect. Compliant operators also maintain a practice of submitting all required reports and documents on schedule, keeping records that demonstrate timely filing. Failure to cooperate with inspections or to meet reporting obligations can result in criminal penalties including fines and potential imprisonment.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2119, tenants have an interest in knowing that landlords and property controllers are legally obligated not to obstruct city housing inspections. If a tenant believes a landlord is interfering with an authorized inspection or failing to submit required reports, they may consider filing a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Understanding this provision can also be relevant context when navigating housing code enforcement proceedings.
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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