Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 264 § 264-24
Application for certificate of rental compliance (Buffalo Rental Dwelling Unit Registration Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. Application required. The owner of each rental dwelling unit shall make written application to the Commissioner for a certificate of rental compliance. Such application shall be made on a form furnished by the Commissioner and shall set forth all information required by § 264-18B . Such application shall also include an affidavit of compliance pursuant to § 264-25 . B. The Commissioner may request other information from time to time which may be necessary to administer, enforce, and ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the housing code. C. Failure to provide any information required by § 264-24A or B shall be grounds to deny a certificate of rental compliance. D. Upon receipt of an application for a certificate of rental compliance, the Department shall seek to conduct the required visual assessment either with the consent of the property owner, property manager or tenant(s) or by seeking a warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with Chapter 249 . The Department shall mail notice, with sufficient detail to the recipients as to the time, place, request for consent, and other details of the visual assessment, to the property owner, occupants and any person or entity registered as the property manager or the agent of the owner as required by § 264-8 .
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 264 § 264-24 establishes that every rental dwelling unit owner must submit a written application to the Commissioner to obtain a certificate of rental compliance, using the official form and including all required information and an affidavit of compliance. The Commissioner retains authority to request additional information as needed to administer and enforce the chapter. Once an application is received, the Department is required to conduct a visual assessment of the property, either with the consent of the owner, manager, or tenant, or by obtaining a court warrant, and must mail advance notice of that assessment to all relevant parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 264 § 264-24, compliant property owners obtain and complete the official application form from the Commissioner, ensuring all information required by § 264-18B is included along with the affidavit of compliance under § 264-25. Operators generally respond promptly to any supplemental information requests from the Commissioner, since failure to provide required information is grounds for denial of the certificate. When the Department schedules the required visual assessment, cooperative owners typically provide consent and ensure the property is accessible, as the Department is authorized to seek a court warrant if consent is not granted.
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. 264 § 264-24 gives tenants a role in the rental compliance process: the Department is required to mail advance notice of any scheduled visual assessment to occupants, and the Department may seek tenant consent to conduct that assessment. Tenants who receive such a notice have the right to understand what the assessment entails, as the notice must include sufficient detail about the time, place, and purpose. Tenants who have questions about the compliance status of their unit or the assessment process may contact the Buffalo Department of Permits and Inspection Services or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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