Cal. Civ. Code § 230
Chimneys and fireplaces
Operative Text
§ 230. Chimneys and fireplaces. In every existing tenement which is not heated from a central heating plant there shall be adequate flues or chimneys through every floor with a fireplace or place for a stove properly connected with one of such flues or chimneys for every apartment.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 230 requires that in tenement buildings without central heating systems, every floor must have adequate flues or chimneys running through it, and each apartment on that floor must have a fireplace or stove connection properly linked to one of those flues or chimneys. The rule ensures that apartments relying on individual heating sources have a safe and functional means of venting combustion. It applies to existing tenements, meaning buildings already in use rather than newly constructed ones.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 230, operators of tenement buildings that lack central heating are generally expected to maintain adequate flues or chimneys on every floor and to ensure that each apartment's fireplace or stove connection is properly tied into one of those venting structures. Compliant operators routinely inspect chimneys and flues for structural integrity, blockages, and proper connections to confirm that each unit's heating arrangement meets the standard the statute describes. Documented maintenance records and periodic professional inspections are practices commonly associated with ongoing compliance.
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 § 230 establishes that tenants living in non-centrally heated tenements have a right to adequate chimney or flue access and a properly connected fireplace or stove connection in their apartment. If a flue is blocked, a chimney is structurally deficient, or a stove connection is improperly vented, that condition may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe their building falls short of this standard can document the condition, report it to the local housing or building department, and consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available enforcement paths.
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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