Cal. Civ. Code § 50
Application of article four
Operative Text
§ 50. Application of article four. 1. As used in this article, the term "transient dwellings" shall mean and include hotels, lodging houses, boarding and nursery schools, sorority houses, fraternity houses, college and school dormitories, convalescent, old age and nursing homes, and dwellings used for single room occupancy. The term "transient occupancy" shall mean the occupancy of a room for sleeping purposes by the same person or persons for a period of ninety days or less. 2. Except as provided in sections sixty-three and sixty-four with respect to one and two story transient dwellings only, this article shall apply to all transient dwellings three or more stories in height and in existence on July first, nineteen hundred fifty-two, provided, however, that the provisions of article two and sections fifty-three, fifty-six and sixty-one of this article shall apply to new transient dwellings. 3. As to such existing transient dwellings, the provisions of sections fifty-six, sixty-one and sixty-two of this article shall be complied with on or before July first, nineteen hundred fifty-four, and all other sections of this article shall be complied with on or before July first, nineteen hundred fifty-five.
N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 50 establishes the scope of Article Four of the Multiple Residence Law by defining which types of buildings and occupancies fall under its rules. 'Transient dwellings' is defined broadly to include hotels, dormitories, nursing homes, single-room-occupancy buildings, and similar facilities, while 'transient occupancy' covers stays of ninety days or less by the same occupant. The article generally applies to transient dwellings of three or more stories, with certain provisions also reaching newly constructed transient dwellings, and compliance deadlines were set for existing buildings that were in place as of 1952.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of hotels, lodging houses, dormitories, nursing homes, single-room-occupancy buildings, and similar facilities should be aware that N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 50 defines the category of 'transient dwellings' that triggers Article Four obligations. Compliant operators of three-or-more-story transient dwellings generally ensure that all applicable Article Four sections have been met, including those specifically called out for new construction under sections 53, 56, and 61. Owners of buildings that were in existence before July 1, 1952 should also be familiar with the phased compliance structure that § 50 originally established, as it informs how the broader article's requirements were intended to be applied to existing stock.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Individuals staying in hotels, single-room-occupancy buildings, nursing homes, dormitories, or similar facilities may have protections under Article Four of the Multiple Residence Law, the scope of which is defined by N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 50. Whether a particular stay qualifies as 'transient occupancy' under § 50 — generally meaning ninety days or less — can affect which rules apply to the building and the occupant's situation. Tenants or residents who believe their building is not meeting Article Four standards may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or a housing agency to understand what enforcement options exist.
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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