Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-23
Access and vertical travel between stories
Operative Text
A. Stairs, both interior and exterior, shall be of sufficient width in conformity with generally accepted standards so as to serve the occupants. B. Railings shall be provided on open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-23 establishes baseline safety requirements for vertical circulation in residential buildings. Stairs—whether inside or outside a structure—must be wide enough to adequately serve the people who use them, measured against generally accepted standards. Additionally, any open edges of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells must be equipped with railings to prevent falls.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-23, compliant property operators ensure that all stairways meet width standards recognized in the industry and that railings are installed along every open side of stairs, balconies, landings, and stairwells. Routine inspections of these features help identify deterioration, missing hardware, or obstructions that could bring a property out of compliance. Keeping documentation of any repairs or upgrades to stair and railing systems supports a record of ongoing maintenance.
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 § 231-23 gives occupants a basis to expect safe, adequately wide stairs and protective railings on all open portions of stairways, balconies, landings, and stairwells. If these features are absent, damaged, or inadequate, tenants may report the condition to Albany's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrections. Tenant-rights organizations in the Albany area can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes are available.
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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