Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 121 § 121-34
Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators in multiple dwellings
Operative Text
A. Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained so as to be free from physical and fire hazards. B. Elevator and power-operated dumbwaiter cars shall be provided with durable signs in conspicuous locations on which the rated capacity shall be indicated. C. Elevator cars shall be provided with approved means for transmitting a signal outside the hoistway in case of emergency. D. Hoistways and pits shall be maintained free of refuse. E. Machine rooms shall be maintained free of oil and grease and shall not be used for storage of articles or materials unnecessary for the maintenance of the elevator or dumbwaiter. Flammable liquids shall not be kept in such rooms. F. No person shall at any time make any required safety device or electrical protective device inoperative, except where necessary during tests, inspections or maintenance.
Section 121-34 of Rensselaer's Code of Ordinances establishes safety and maintenance standards for elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators in multiple dwellings. The rule requires that these systems be kept free of physical and fire hazards, that cars display rated-capacity signs in visible locations, and that emergency signaling devices be available inside elevator cars. It also prohibits tampering with required safety or electrical protective devices, except during authorized tests, inspections, or maintenance, and mandates that hoistways, pits, and machine rooms be kept clean and free of hazardous materials.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 121-34, compliant operators of multiple dwellings routinely inspect elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators to confirm they are free of physical and fire hazards, that capacity signs are posted conspicuously in each car, and that emergency signaling devices remain functional. Machine rooms are kept clear of unnecessary storage, oil, grease, and flammable liquids, and hoistways and pits are kept free of refuse. Operators also ensure that no safety or electrical protective device is rendered inoperative outside of formally scheduled tests, inspections, or maintenance activities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 121-34 gives residents of multiple dwellings the right to expect that elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators are maintained safely, with visible capacity ratings posted in each car and working emergency signals available. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these standards—such as missing capacity signs, blocked hoistways, cluttered machine rooms, or disabled safety devices—they may consider documenting the conditions and reporting them to the appropriate local housing or building code enforcement authority in Rensselaer. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what enforcement options, such as filing a formal complaint, 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 November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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