Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 242 § 242-3
Access for inspection and repair (Buffalo Housing Standards Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. The Erie County Commissioner of Health or his authorized representative and/or the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services or his authorized representative is hereby empowered and directed to make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings and premises located within the City in order that he may perform his statutory duty of safeguarding the health and safety of the occupants of dwellings and of the general public. For the purpose of making such inspections, the Commissioner or his representative is hereby authorized to enter, examine and survey, at all reasonable times, all dwellings and premises within the City. B. It shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of a dwelling or the person in charge thereof to give an authorized representative of the Erie County Department of Health and/or the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services free access to such dwelling and its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of such inspection, examination and survey. C. It shall be the duty of every occupant of a dwelling to give the owner thereof or his agent or employee access to any part of such dwelling or its premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of making such repairs or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter or with any lawful rule, regulation or order adopted or issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 242 § 242-3 establishes a framework for official inspections and property access in the City of Buffalo. Authorized representatives of the Erie County Department of Health and the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services are empowered to enter and examine dwellings at all reasonable times to assess health and safety conditions. The provision also requires that occupants allow property owners or their agents to enter the dwelling at reasonable times to carry out repairs or alterations needed to comply with the chapter's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 242 § 242-3, compliant property owners and managers generally maintain open communication with tenants about the need for periodic inspections and necessary repair access. Operators typically coordinate entry at reasonable times with both official inspectors from the Erie County Department of Health or the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services and with their own maintenance staff or agents. Keeping records of inspection notices, access requests, and completed repairs is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 242 § 242-3 gives tenants a clear picture of who may lawfully enter their dwelling and under what circumstances. Official inspectors from the Erie County Department of Health or the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services may enter at all reasonable times, and tenants are also required to allow landlords or their agents access for repairs needed to meet the chapter's standards. Tenants who have questions about whether an access request is lawful or reasonable may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review the full text of ch. 242 for additional context.
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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