Cal. Civ. Code § 192
Cellar entrance
Operative Text
§ 192. Cellar entrance. a. If there is a cellar, there shall be an independent entrance thereto from outside the dwelling by means of a metal fire ladder or fireproof stair leading to an opening in the outside cellar wall at least two feet six inches in width and six feet in height. Such entrance to the cellar may be through an areaway or through a fireproof passageway leading directly to the street. The entrance to the cellar may be closed off with a grating or doors which shall not be locked or bolted unless they can be readily unbolted or unlocked from the inside without a key and shall be arranged and constructed so as to be readily opened at all times. b. In lieu of the requirements set forth in subdivision a hereof, buildings existing November first, nineteen hundred forty-nine in cities having a population between five hundred thousand and one million may comply with the following: 1. shall have an unobstructed entrance through a yard or court from a street: (a) directly to exterior dwelling entrance with interior entrance to basement or cellar direct from said entrance, or from a fire retarded public hall or stair landing, and (b) to one or more cellar or basement walls containing accessible windows. 2. The stairway leading to cellar or basement shall be enclosed with fire retarded partitions or equal construction and shall have a minimum fire rating of one hour. Said cellar or basement entrance shall be equipped with a one hour self-closing fire door assembly.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 192 establishes requirements for how cellars in multiple dwellings must be accessible from outside the building. The primary rule calls for an independent exterior entrance of specified minimum dimensions, reached by a metal fire ladder or fireproof stair, with any gate or door that can always be opened from the inside without a key. Buildings in cities with populations between 500,000 and one million that existed before November 1, 1949 may instead satisfy an alternative set of requirements under § 192(b), which centers on unobstructed yard or court access and fire-rated enclosures around cellar stairways.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 192 generally maintain a compliant exterior cellar entrance that meets the dimensional minimums and uses a fire ladder or fireproof stair. Any gate or door securing that entrance is typically configured so occupants can open it from the inside at all times without a key, ensuring it is never effectively locked against egress. Owners of qualifying pre-1949 buildings in the applicable population-range cities should verify whether their property relies on the § 192(b) alternative pathway, which carries its own distinct requirements around fire-rated partitions and self-closing fire door assemblies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 192, tenants in covered multiple dwellings have an interest in a properly maintained exterior cellar entrance that remains accessible and is never locked in a way that prevents exit without a key. If a cellar entrance appears to be blocked, improperly secured, or otherwise out of compliance with § 192, residents may consider reporting the condition to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or the relevant local housing authority, or raising the violation with a tenant-rights organization familiar with Multiple Dwelling Law requirements. Documenting the condition with photographs and written communication to the landlord can also be a useful step when exploring available options.
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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