Cal. Civ. Code § 13
Prohibited uses: The storage or keeping of any combustible gaseous material within any multiple dwelling shall be unlawful unless a writt...
Operative Text
§ 13. Prohibited uses: The storage or keeping of any combustible gaseous material within any multiple dwelling shall be unlawful unless a written permit therefor is issued by the department and any and all local laws or regulations applicable thereto are complied with. The provisions of this section shall not prevent the keeping of such gasoline, oil or other fuel as may be contained in a tank or receptacle of a motor vehicle stored in a space provided for automobiles in a multiple dwelling, nor shall this section apply to gaseous material used for the cleaning or washing of a motor vehicle so stored. Such permit shall not be required for the keeping or storage of oil or kerosene in quantities not exceeding five gallons at any one time for domestic heating or cooking purposes, provided such oil or kerosene is in a container directly connected to the heating or cooking appliances in which it is to be used and is kept or stored in accordance with standards of safety prescribed by the department.
Under N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 13, storing combustible gaseous materials inside a multiple dwelling is generally prohibited unless the building department issues a written permit and all applicable local rules are followed. The law carves out two notable exceptions: fuel that remains inside a motor vehicle's tank in a designated parking space is not covered, nor is gaseous material used to clean a vehicle stored there. A separate, narrower exception allows small quantities of oil or kerosene—up to five gallons at a time—to be kept without a permit when the container is directly connected to a heating or cooking appliance and meets the department's safety standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 13 generally obtain a written departmental permit before allowing any combustible gaseous material to be stored on the premises, and they verify compliance with all relevant local regulations. For properties with parking areas, compliant operators recognize that fuel contained within a stored vehicle's own tank falls outside the permit requirement, as does gaseous material used for on-site vehicle cleaning. When residents use oil or kerosene for domestic heating or cooking, building managers typically confirm that quantities stay at or below five gallons, that containers are directly connected to the relevant appliance, and that storage arrangements meet the department's prescribed safety standards under § 13.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 13 establishes that tenants living in a multiple dwelling have an interest in knowing that combustible gaseous materials are not being stored in their building without a proper written permit and compliance with local regulations. If a tenant believes unpermitted or unsafe storage of such materials is occurring, general enforcement paths include reporting the condition to the local building or housing department, raising the violation in any relevant housing-court proceeding, or contacting a tenant-rights organization for guidance. The small-quantity exception for heating or cooking oil under § 13 may also be relevant to tenants who use kerosene heaters or similar appliances, as it sets specific conditions—such as container connection and quantity limits—that govern lawful domestic use.
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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