Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 § 176-19
Required exits
Operative Text
No person shall occupy as owner-occupant, or let to another for occupancy, any dwelling, multifamily dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit or portion thereof, for the purpose of living therein, which does not comply with the following requirements: A. Safe continuous egress. Safe, continuous and unobstructed egress shall be provided from the interior of any dwelling, multifamily dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit to the exterior at street or grade level. B. Arrangement of exits. Exits shall be arranged, constructed and proportioned in conformity with the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, so that occupants may escape safely from the building in case of an emergency. C. One-family dwellings. In one-family dwellings, in addition to the primary exit from the building, there shall be provided a secondary exit or, in lieu thereof, one or more exit openings for emergency use. D. Two-family dwellings with horizontal separations. In two-family dwellings with horizontal separations, in addition to the primary exit from the building, there shall be provided a secondary exit from each dwelling unit. Such secondary exit shall conform to the requirements for a secondary exit of a two-story multiple dwelling in the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. E. Multiple dwellings. All multiple dwellings shall conform to the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code or multiple-residence requirements of the State of New York.
Section 176-19 of Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 establishes minimum exit requirements for all types of residential dwellings in Troy. No dwelling—whether a single-family home, two-family home, multifamily building, or rooming house—may be occupied unless it provides safe, continuous, and unobstructed egress from the interior to the street or grade level. The specific exit configurations required vary by building type, with one-family dwellings needing a secondary exit or emergency exit opening, two-family dwellings with horizontal separations requiring a secondary exit from each unit, and multiple dwellings required to conform to New York State's Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 176-19 of Troy's housing code, compliant property owners and managers ensure that every residential unit they rent or occupy has clearly maintained, unobstructed pathways from the interior to the exterior at street or grade level. Operators of one-family dwellings typically provide a secondary exit or qualifying emergency exit opening in addition to the primary exit, while those managing two-family dwellings with horizontal separations ensure each unit has its own secondary exit meeting state code standards. Landlords of multiple dwellings generally verify ongoing compliance with New York State's Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, as that body of law governs the specific construction and arrangement standards referenced in § 176-19.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 176-19 of Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 gives tenants the right to occupy a dwelling that has safe, unobstructed exits appropriate to the building type—whether that means a secondary exit from a one-family home or a unit-specific secondary exit in a two-family dwelling. If a tenant believes their unit lacks the required egress, they may consider documenting the condition and reporting it to the appropriate Troy housing or code enforcement authority. Tenants can also explore their options by contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with § 176-19 and New York State housing standards.
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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