Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-114
Designation of unfit premises
Operative Text
Unfit premises shall be as follows: A. Any premises within the scope of this code having any of the defects found in Subsections B , C , D and E may be designated by the chief officer of the Bureau as unfit for human habitation and a notice to such effect shall be posted upon the premises. B. The structure lacks ventilation, sanitation, heat or other facilities adequate to protect the health and safety of the occupants or the public. C. The structure or premises is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, insanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested in such a manner as to create a serious hazard to the health and safety of the occupants or the public. D. The structure or premises, because of the location, general conditions, state of the premises or number of occupants, is so insanitary, unsafe, overcrowded or otherwise detrimental to health and safety that it creates a serious hazard to the occupants or the public. E. The structure, because of the failure of the owner or occupant to comply with such notices or orders issued pursuant to this code, is unfit for human habitation.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-114 establishes the conditions under which a property can be officially designated as unfit for human habitation. The chief officer of the Bureau of Buildings is authorized to make this designation when a structure lacks adequate ventilation, sanitation, heat, or safety measures, or when it is damaged, decayed, vermin-infested, overcrowded, or otherwise hazardous. Once designated, a notice must be physically posted on the premises to signal the official finding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-114, property owners and managers who maintain adequate ventilation, sanitation, heating systems, and structural integrity generally avoid the conditions that trigger an unfit-premises designation. Operators who promptly respond to code notices and orders issued under ch. 231 reduce the risk that non-compliance itself becomes a basis for the designation, as outlined in Subsection E. Keeping documentation of maintenance, repairs, and responses to any Bureau notices is a practice commonly associated with ongoing code compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-114 identifies specific conditions—such as lack of heat, vermin infestation, structural decay, or dangerous overcrowding—that can entitle occupants to have their building officially declared unfit for human habitation. Tenants who observe these conditions may report them to the Bureau of Buildings, which has the authority to inspect and post an unfit-premises notice. Tenant-rights organizations in Albany can help residents understand how a formal designation under this section may relate to other remedies available under local and state law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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