Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-88
Requirements for elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators in multiple dwellings
Operative Text
A. Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained so as to be free from physical and fire hazards. B. Elevator and power-operated dumbwaiter cars shall be provided with durable signs in conspicuous locations on which the rated capacity shall be indicated. C. Elevator cars shall be provided with approved means for transmitting a signal outside the hoistway in case of emergency. D. Hoistways and pits shall be maintained free of refuse. E. Machine rooms shall be maintained free of oil and grease and shall not be used for storage of articles or materials unnecessary for the maintenance of the elevator or dumbwaiter. Flammable liquids shall not be kept in such rooms. F. No person shall at any time make any required safety device or electrical protective device inoperative, except where necessary during tests, inspections or maintenance.
Albany Code § 231-88 establishes maintenance and safety standards for elevators, dumbwaiters, and escalators in multiple dwellings. Equipment must be kept free of physical and fire hazards, cars must display rated-capacity signs in visible locations, and emergency signaling devices must be available inside elevator cars. Hoistways, pits, and machine rooms must be kept clean and free of refuse, flammable liquids, and unnecessary stored materials, and no one may disable required safety or electrical protective devices except during authorized tests, inspections, or maintenance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Albany Code § 231-88 generally keep all elevator, dumbwaiter, and escalator equipment in hazard-free condition through routine inspection and maintenance schedules. Compliant operators ensure that rated-capacity signs are durably posted in conspicuous locations on each car, that emergency signaling devices remain functional, and that hoistways, pits, and machine rooms are kept clear of refuse, flammable liquids, and extraneous stored materials. Operators also ensure that safety and electrical protective devices are never disabled outside of formally conducted tests, inspections, or maintenance activities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Albany multiple dwellings are protected by § 231-88, which requires that elevators and related equipment be maintained safely and that emergency communication devices inside elevator cars remain operational. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to violate these standards — such as missing capacity signs, debris in hoistways, or apparent tampering with safety devices — they may report those conditions to the appropriate Albany municipal code enforcement authority. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes may be 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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