Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-1
Definitions (Buffalo Lodging Houses Ordinance)
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: LODGING HOUSE A building in which three or more persons are accommodated for a fee with sleeping privileges. The term shall also include any establishment known as a "rooming house" which accommodates three or more persons for a fee with sleeping privileges.
Section 269-1 of Buffalo's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational definitions that apply throughout Chapter 269. Under this provision, a 'lodging house' is defined as any building where three or more people are housed for a fee with sleeping accommodations, and the definition explicitly extends to establishments commonly called 'rooming houses' that meet the same threshold. These definitions set the scope for which types of rental arrangements are subject to the rules and requirements found elsewhere in Chapter 269.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating buildings where three or more paying guests sleep should be aware that their establishment likely qualifies as a 'lodging house' under § 269-1, regardless of whether it is marketed as a rooming house or similar arrangement. Operators who meet this threshold are generally subject to all regulatory requirements set out in Chapter 269, and compliant operators typically ensure their properties are registered, inspected, and maintained in accordance with those rules. Understanding whether a property falls within this definition is a foundational step in determining which Buffalo municipal obligations apply.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you are paying to sleep in a building alongside two or more other paying occupants, the establishment may qualify as a 'lodging house' under § 269-1, which means the broader protections and standards of Chapter 269 could apply to your living situation. Tenants in lodging houses or rooming houses in Buffalo may have rights tied to this classification, including habitability and operational standards that the property must meet. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Buffalo housing law can help clarify whether a specific living arrangement falls under this definition and what protections may follow from that classification.
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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