Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 § 270-4
Multiple convictions to constitute presumptive evidence (Buffalo Eviction for Illegal Drug Use Ordinance)
Operative Text
Two or more convictions of any person or persons had, within a period of one year, for any of the offenses defined in Article 220 or 221 of the Penal Law, arising out of conduct engaged in at the same real property consisting of a dwelling as that term is defined in Subdivision 4 of the Multiple Dwelling Law shall be presumptive evidence of conduct constituting use and occupancy of the premises for the purpose of using and possessing illegal drugs and of the tenant knowledge thereof.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 § 270-4, when two or more drug-related criminal convictions under New York Penal Law Articles 220 or 221 occur at the same residential property within a single year, that pattern of convictions is treated as presumptive evidence that the dwelling is being used for illegal drug activity and that the tenant was aware of it. Presumptive evidence means a legal inference arises automatically from the facts, though it can potentially be rebutted. This rule connects repeated criminal activity at a dwelling to the tenant's legal accountability for what occurs on the premises.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 § 270-4 generally monitor their properties for patterns of criminal activity, since two or more drug-related convictions at the same dwelling within a year can trigger a legal presumption affecting tenancy. Compliant operators typically keep records of any law-enforcement activity at their properties and respond promptly to notices or proceedings initiated under this chapter. Awareness of this provision helps operators understand when the legal threshold for presumptive evidence of drug-related use may be met at a dwelling they manage.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Buffalo, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 270 § 270-4, tenants should be aware that two or more drug-related convictions at their dwelling within a year can create a legal presumption that they had knowledge of illegal drug activity on the premises. This presumption can be raised in housing or eviction proceedings, and tenants generally have the opportunity to present evidence to challenge or rebut it. Tenants facing proceedings under this provision may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Buffalo housing law 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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