Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-2
Licensed required (Buffalo Lodging Houses Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. No person, firm, corporation, or like entity shall occupy, operate, use or maintain any building or portion thereof as a lodging establishment nor conduct a lodging house in any building or portion thereof without first having been issued license by the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services pursuant to a verified written application upon forms provided by the Department. B. No license shall be issued unless the owner or the approved agent of the owner as provided and licensed pursuant to this chapter resides on the premises of the lodging house as so defined in this chapter.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-2 establishes that no individual, company, or other entity may operate, occupy, or maintain a lodging establishment or lodging house without first obtaining a license from the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services. The license application must be submitted in verified written form using the department's official forms. Additionally, the law requires that the owner — or a licensed, approved agent of the owner — actually live on the premises of the lodging house as a condition of licensure.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-2, operators of lodging establishments generally secure the required license from the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services before opening or continuing operations. Compliant operators submit a verified written application on the department's official forms and ensure that either the owner or a properly licensed and approved agent of the owner maintains a residence on the lodging house premises. Keeping licensure current and ensuring the on-site residency requirement is continuously met are hallmarks of lawful lodging house operation under this chapter.
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. 269 § 269-2 gives tenants a basis to verify whether the lodging house they occupy is properly licensed and whether the owner or an approved agent lives on-site, as both are legal requirements. If a lodging establishment appears to be operating without a valid license, residents may consider contacting the Department of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services to inquire about the property's compliance status. Tenant-rights organizations in the Buffalo area can also help residents understand how an unlicensed operation may affect their rights and what general enforcement paths may be available.
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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