Cal. Civ. Code § 244
Spaces under stairs
Operative Text
§ 244. Spaces under stairs. In non-fireproof tenements erected after April twelfth, nineteen hundred one, no closet of any kind shall be constructed or maintained under any stair leading from the entrance story to the upper stories, and such space shall be kept entirely open and clear of any encumbrance.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 244 prohibits the construction or maintenance of any closet beneath staircases that connect the entrance floor to upper floors in non-fireproof tenement buildings built after April 12, 1901. The space under those stairs must remain fully open and free of any obstruction or enclosure. This rule is a fire-safety measure aimed at preventing the accumulation of combustible materials in a concealed space along a primary means of egress.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 244, operators of qualifying non-fireproof tenements generally ensure that no closet, partition, or enclosure of any kind is built or allowed to remain beneath stairs running from the entrance story to upper floors. Compliant building managers also keep that under-stair space clear of stored items, furniture, or any other material that could constitute an encumbrance. Routine building inspections typically include a check of these areas to confirm ongoing compliance with this provision.
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 § 244 establishes that tenants in covered non-fireproof tenements have an interest in keeping under-stair spaces open and unobstructed as a matter of building safety. If a closet or accumulation of materials is observed beneath a qualifying staircase, tenants may report the condition to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or the relevant local housing authority, or raise the violation in a housing court proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents of affected buildings understand how this provision interacts with broader habitability and safety 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 September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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