Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-7
Certificate of occupancy; registration (Buffalo Lodging Houses Ordinance)
Operative Text
A. Every lodging house which lodges five or more persons shall procure a certificate of occupancy, as provided for in the Multiple Dwelling Law or Chapter 129 of the Charter and Code of the City of Buffalo. B. No lodging house license shall be issued pursuant to this chapter unless the applicant for said license shall first register the proposed lodging house with the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services.
Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 269 § 269-7 establishes two baseline requirements for lodging houses in the city. Any lodging house that accommodates five or more persons must obtain a certificate of occupancy under the Multiple Dwelling Law or Chapter 129 of the Buffalo Charter and Code. Additionally, no lodging house license may be issued under this chapter until the applicant has first registered the property with the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of lodging houses in Buffalo should be aware that ch. 269 § 269-7 sets out a sequential compliance process before a license can be issued. A compliant operator generally secures the required certificate of occupancy for any property housing five or more persons, and then completes registration with the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services prior to applying for a lodging house license. Maintaining documentation of both the certificate of occupancy and the registration record is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate compliance with this provision.
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 § 269-7 gives tenants in lodging houses a basis to verify whether their residence is operating lawfully. Tenants can inquire with the Commissioner of Economic Development and Permit and Inspection Services to confirm whether a lodging house is properly registered and holds a valid certificate of occupancy. Those who believe their lodging house may not be in compliance with this provision may consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization or the relevant city office to understand what options are generally 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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