Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 264 § 264-26
Issuance or denial of certificate of rental compliance (Buffalo Rental Dwelling Unit Registration Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. Upon completion of a visual assessment, if the Commissioner finds noncompliance with the housing code, the Commissioner may issue a notice of violation in accordance with § 264-9 of this chapter for the correction of any violations of the housing code. (1) Upon re-inspection, if the Commissioner finds noncompliance with the notice of violation the Commissioner may deny a certificate or revoke any issued certificate in accordance with the procedure set forth in § 264-29 of this chapter. The Commissioner shall issue a written statement setting forth the reasons for the denial or revocation. (2) If the unit is occupied at the time of noncompliance with the notice of violation, the Commissioner may make an application to the Housing Part of the Buffalo City Court or another court of competent jurisdiction to obtain any order made available pursuant to § 264-10D(1) . B. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted or construed as conditioning the issuance of a certificate of rental compliance upon an owner's consent to an inspection of a building and dwelling units therein, however nothing in this chapter shall be construed as removing the obligation of an owner to apply and secure licenses required for the premises.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 264 § 264-26 establishes the process by which the Commissioner evaluates rental properties for compliance with the housing code and decides whether to issue, deny, or revoke a certificate of rental compliance. If a visual assessment reveals violations, a notice of violation may be issued; failure to correct those violations after re-inspection can result in denial or revocation of the certificate, accompanied by a written explanation. The provision also clarifies that a certificate is not contingent on an owner consenting to an inspection, though owners remain obligated to obtain any other required licenses for their premises.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 264-26, property owners in Buffalo should be aware that a visual assessment finding housing code violations can trigger a notice of violation, and that unresolved violations at re-inspection may lead the Commissioner to deny or revoke a certificate of rental compliance. Compliant operators typically address all cited violations promptly and maintain documentation of corrective actions taken before re-inspection. Owners should also note that while certificate issuance is not conditioned on consenting to an inspection, separate licensing obligations for the premises remain in effect regardless.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 264-26 of the Buffalo Code of Ordinances gives tenants an important backdrop: if a rental unit is occupied at the time a landlord fails to correct housing code violations, the Commissioner has the authority to seek a court order through the Housing Part of Buffalo City Court or another court of competent jurisdiction. This means tenants living in units with unresolved violations may have the protection of potential court intervention on their behalf. Tenants who believe their unit has unaddressed housing code violations may consider contacting the Commissioner's office, consulting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a complaint can be filed to prompt a re-inspection under this provision.
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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