Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-10
Fire safety and security
Operative Text
A. Smoke detectors. (1) All owner-occupied and rental units shall be equipped with a smoke detector system or other fire protections that are adequate to give the occupants reasonable notice to exit safely in the event of a fire. (2) For the purpose of this section, "adequate" shall mean at least one UL-approved smoke detector per bedroom, one outside each sleeping area, and on all levels of the building. B. Means of egress. (1) All owner-occupied and rental units shall have at least one safe, unobstructed means of egress leading to safe and open space at ground level. (2) For the purpose of this section, "safe" shall mean an egress that has an adequate number of handrails properly situated and installed, is adequately lighted, and is equipped with at least one smoke detector on each stairway landing, or more, or other fire protections that are adequate to give the occupants reasonable notice to exit safely in the event of a fire. C. In every multiple dwelling three or more stories in height, there shall be at least two independent means of egress accessible on the same story from each apartment or suite. In lieu of a second means of egress, a sprinkler system may be installed in the public halls and stairs. D. Every owner of every rental unit shall be responsible to ensure that each unit is safe and secure by providing a lock for each door leading directly into each unit and by providing that all first-floor and basement windows are not capable of being opened from the outside. All locks shall be attached to a door that is in good repair, and the key to the lock of a unit must be given to the occupant of the unit. E. Every public hall and stairway in every multiple dwelling containing five or more dwelling units shall be adequately lighted at all times. Every public hall and stairway in structures devoted to dwelling occupancy and containing four or fewer units shall be supplied with conveniently located light switches which control an adequate lighting system that may be turned on when needed. F. All two-family structures three or more stories in height must have fire-retardant cellar ceilings and, in cases where the attic area is used solely as a habitable unit, have two independent means of egress. In lieu of a second means of egress, a sprinkler system may be installed in the public halls and stairs.
Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-10 establishes fire safety and security standards for all owner-occupied and rental housing units in the city. The rule requires smoke detectors meeting specific placement criteria, at least one unobstructed exit path to ground level, secure door locks with keys provided to occupants, and adequate lighting in common areas. Taller or larger multi-unit buildings face additional requirements, including multiple independent egress routes or sprinkler systems as an alternative, and fire-retardant construction in certain two-family structures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 265-10, compliant rental property operators generally ensure that every unit has UL-approved smoke detectors placed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including stairway landings. They also verify that each unit's entry door has a functioning lock in good repair and that a key is provided to the occupant, while confirming that all first-floor and basement windows cannot be opened from the outside. Operators of buildings with five or more units maintain continuous adequate lighting in all public halls and stairways, and those managing three-or-more-story multiple dwellings confirm that at least two independent egress routes—or an approved sprinkler system—are accessible from each apartment or suite.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 265-10 gives occupants of Binghamton rental units the right to a dwelling equipped with properly placed smoke detectors, a secure entry lock with a key in the tenant's possession, and at least one clear, safe exit path to open ground-level space. If any of these conditions are not met—such as a missing smoke detector, a broken lock, or a blocked exit—tenants may document the deficiency and report it to the City of Binghamton's code enforcement office, which oversees compliance with ch. 265. Tenants may also consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand how a landlord's failure to meet § 265-10 standards could be raised in housing proceedings.
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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