Rochester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-8
Heating (Rochester NY Property Code)
Operative Text
A. Liquid-fuel room heaters. Portable room heaters utilizing liquid fuels are prohibited. B. All warm-air heat systems shall have adequate cold-air returns. If basement cold air is utilized, it must be filtered.
Rochester City Code Chapter 90, Section 90-8 establishes two requirements for residential heating systems. First, it bans portable room heaters that run on liquid fuels entirely. Second, it requires that all warm-air heating systems include adequate cold-air returns, and if basement air is drawn into the system, that air must pass through a filter before circulation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester City Code § 90-8, compliant property operators ensure that no portable liquid-fuel room heaters are present in any rental unit, as these devices are outright prohibited. Operators also verify that warm-air heating systems are equipped with properly sized cold-air returns, and where basement cold air is incorporated into the system, an appropriate filter is installed and maintained. Routine inspections of heating equipment help confirm that these mechanical requirements remain satisfied throughout the tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rochester City Code § 90-8 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if a landlord has supplied or permitted a portable liquid-fuel room heater, or if the property's warm-air heating system lacks adequate cold-air returns or a required basement-air filter. Tenants who observe these conditions may consider filing a complaint with Rochester's Code Enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and cite violations. Tenant-rights organizations in the Rochester area can also help residents understand what documentation to gather and what options may be available.
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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