Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 264 § 264-6
Duties of tenant (Buffalo Rental Dwelling Unit Registration Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. With respect to the dwelling unit which the tenant occupies, controls or uses, the tenant shall be responsible for the following standards. (1) Occupancy limitations and the lawful use of a dwelling unit. (2) Maintenance of the dwelling unit in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. (3) Maintenance of plumbing, cooking and refrigeration equipment, appliances, fixtures, and facilities contained in the dwelling unit in a clean and sanitary condition and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof. (4) Keeping exits in the dwelling unit free and clear. (5) Disposing of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a sanitary manner and keeping the dwelling unit free and clear from garbage, refuse, and debris. (6) Keeping domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control. (7) All dwelling unit tenants shall comply with all applicable ordinances of the City of Buffalo Code at all times. (8) Timely notify the property owner, landlord, or property manager when a condition arises that is the landlord's legal duty to remedy. (9) Deal in good faith to schedule and facilitate prompt maintenance that the property owner is obligated to perform. (10) Adhere to all reasonable provisions included in the lease agreement. Such agreements must be in writing to be valid under this section. A contract provision in a rental lease is reasonable unless it is illegal or unconscionable under New York law. B. To the extent that the owner can provide the Commissioner with competent evidence that tenants have not complied with the above standards or that the tenants have contributed to the existence of housing code and other safety codes violations at the property, the Commissioner may deem such circumstances to be sufficient cause to extend time for the correction of the violations pursuant to § 264-9 of this chapter. C. In order to meet the competent evidence standard, for the purposes of this chapter, the landlord must present evidence with which the Commissioner may determine: (1) A prima facie case that the tenant has violated an enumerated duty described in § 264-6A ; where the owner produces evidence that, if true, would entitle the owner to relief described in § 264-6B ; bare conclusory allegations are insufficient. (2) The absence of bad faith, arbitrariness, discrimination, or malice.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 264 § 264-6 establishes a set of responsibilities that tenants must meet with respect to the dwelling units they occupy. These duties include keeping the unit clean and sanitary, maintaining plumbing and appliances properly, disposing of garbage appropriately, controlling pets, complying with city ordinances, and notifying landlords in good faith when repairs are needed. When a landlord can show, with competent evidence meeting the standards in § 264-6B and C, that a tenant failed these duties and contributed to code violations, the city's Commissioner may grant the landlord additional time to correct those violations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 264-6, property owners and managers in Buffalo benefit from a provision that allows them to seek extended time to correct housing code violations when tenants have contributed to those violations. To use this pathway, a compliant operator typically documents tenant conduct carefully—such as failure to notify of needed repairs, improper garbage disposal, or lease violations—and presents that documentation to the Commissioner as competent evidence, not mere conclusory allegations. Operators also generally ensure that lease agreements are written, reasonable, and free of illegal or unconscionable terms, since § 264-6A(10) requires written agreements for lease provisions to be valid under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 264-6 of the Buffalo City Code outlines specific duties tenants are expected to fulfill, including maintaining sanitary conditions, keeping exits clear, properly disposing of refuse, and dealing in good faith with landlords to facilitate required repairs. Tenants should be aware that a landlord may invoke § 264-6B to request extended time for code-violation corrections by presenting evidence that the tenant contributed to those violations, though bare allegations are not sufficient—the landlord must meet a competent evidence standard and demonstrate the absence of bad faith or discrimination. Tenants who believe a landlord is misusing this provision or acting in bad faith may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or the City of Buffalo's housing enforcement office to understand available options.
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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