Cal. Civ. Code § 51-B
Mirrors in connection with self-service elevators
Operative Text
§ 51-b. Mirrors in connection with self-service elevators. In all multiple dwellings in which there are one or more self-service passenger elevators, there shall, pursuant to such regulations as the department shall prescribe, be affixed and maintained in each such elevator a mirror which will enable persons prior to entering into such elevator to view the inside thereof to determine whether any person is in such elevator.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 51-B requires that every self-service passenger elevator in a multiple dwelling be equipped with a mirror that allows a person standing outside the elevator to see the interior before stepping in. The mirror must be both installed and kept in working condition, in accordance with regulations set by the relevant department. The rule is designed to give prospective riders a clear view of the elevator cab before they enter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 51-B, compliant building operators ensure that each self-service passenger elevator in their multiple dwelling has a properly positioned mirror installed and maintained in good condition at all times. Operators generally conduct routine inspections to confirm that mirrors remain unobstructed, undamaged, and positioned to provide a full view of the elevator interior. Staying current with any departmental regulations that specify mirror placement or standards is a standard part of ongoing elevator maintenance 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 § 51-B gives residents of multiple dwellings a right to have functional, view-enabling mirrors in every self-service passenger elevator in their building. If a mirror is missing, broken, or positioned so that it fails to show the elevator interior, tenants may consider documenting the condition and reporting it to the building's management or to the local housing or buildings department. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand available enforcement paths, such as filing a complaint with the appropriate municipal agency.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.