Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-3
License required (Buffalo Property Managers Ordinance)
Operative Text
No person, firm, corporation or entity shall act as a property manager or engage in property management activities within the meanings of this chapter for three or more non-owner-occupied, residential rental units without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-3 establishes that anyone—whether an individual, firm, corporation, or other entity—who manages three or more non-owner-occupied residential rental units in Buffalo must hold a valid license issued by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services before conducting property management activities. The rule applies broadly to any party performing property management functions as defined by the chapter, regardless of the size or structure of the managing organization. Operating without this license is a violation of the ordinance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-3, property owners and management companies that oversee three or more non-owner-occupied residential rental units in Buffalo generally obtain a license from the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services before beginning management activities. Compliant operators keep their license current and ensure it covers all applicable units and management functions as defined by the chapter. Operators who self-manage their own properties should confirm whether their specific arrangement falls within the chapter's definition of 'property management activities' to determine whether the licensing requirement applies.
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. 265 § 265-3 gives tenants a basis to check whether the person or company managing their building holds the required license from the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services. If a property manager appears to be operating without a license, tenants may raise that violation with the City of Buffalo's Permit and Inspection Services office or consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options. Unlicensed management activity may be relevant information in disputes involving the management of a rental unit.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.