Cal. Civ. Code § 12
Prohibited uses
Operative Text
§ 12. Prohibited uses. 1. It shall be unlawful to use any multiple dwelling or any part of the lot or premises thereof for the purpose of prostitution or assignation of any description. 2. It shall be unlawful to keep any horse, cow, calf, swine, rabbit, sheep, goat, chicken or duck, or any pigeon except Antwerp or homing pigeons, in or on any multiple dwelling or on the lot or premises thereof unless permitted by and in accordance with local law or regulation. 3. It shall be unlawful to use any multiple dwelling or any part of the lot or premises thereof for the keeping, storing or handling of any combustible article or any article dangerous or detrimental to life or health, unless a permit is obtained for such use in conformity with provisions prescribed by local law, and where such local law does not exist, in conformity with provisions prescribed by the fire department.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 12 establishes three categories of prohibited uses for multiple dwellings and their lots. First, the premises may not be used for prostitution or assignation in any form. Second, most livestock and poultry—including horses, cows, swine, chickens, and most pigeons—are barred from the property unless local law expressly permits them. Third, combustible or otherwise dangerous materials may not be kept or stored on the premises without a permit issued under local law or, where no local law exists, under fire department rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 12, compliant operators of multiple dwellings generally ensure that no part of the building or lot is used for prostitution or assignation, that no prohibited animals are kept on the premises without the backing of a local ordinance, and that any storage of combustible or hazardous materials is covered by a valid permit from the appropriate local authority or fire department. Property managers typically include lease provisions that mirror these statutory prohibitions and conduct periodic inspections to confirm compliance. Violations of § 12 can expose an owner to enforcement action by local housing or fire authorities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 12 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a multiple dwelling or its lot is being used in ways the statute prohibits—such as the storage of hazardous materials without a permit or the keeping of banned animals on the premises. Tenants who believe a violation exists may report the condition to local housing code enforcement, the fire department, or a local rent board if one has jurisdiction. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how § 12 applies to conditions in their building and what complaint or defense 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 September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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