Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-10
Exits; hardware for doors
Operative Text
A. Prohibited locking devices. No hasp, lock, padlock, bar, chain or other device, which is openable only from the exterior, shall be installed by a tenant(s) on any door, which is used or intended to be used, as a means of egress. B. Locking devices required. (1) It is the responsibility of all landlords to ensure that exit doors from dwelling units, and doors from bedrooms, sleeping rooms or lodging units which are located within dwelling units, rooming or boarding houses, in which three or more unrelated individuals reside, shall be equipped with a locking device which is securable by means of a key from the outside and which is provided, on the inside, with a simple type of releasing device, such as a knob, handle or panic bar, the method of operation of which is obvious, even in darkness. No tenant shall remove and/or disable said locking devices. (2) It is the responsibility of all landlords to ensure that all openable windows located within 10 feet, measured vertically, or within six feet, measured horizontally, of ground level, or of exterior balconies, porches, stairs, fire escapes, railings, roof surfaces or any other accessible structure, shall be equipped with sash locks designed to be openable from the inside only. Sash locks shall be easily openable without the use of keys and be maintained in good repair. No tenant shall remove and/or disable said sash locks. C. Self-closing doors shall not be blocked in the open position, and automatic doors shall not be removed. D. Exit lights and signs shall not be tampered with. If exit lights are out or malfunctioning, the landlord must be notified.
Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-10 establishes rules about locking devices and exit hardware in residential buildings. Tenants are prohibited from installing locks or similar devices on egress doors that can only be opened from the outside, and from removing or disabling required locking hardware or window sash locks. Landlords are required to equip exit doors and certain bedroom or sleeping-room doors with locks that can be keyed from outside but opened easily from inside without a key, and to fit accessible windows with inside-only sash locks. Self-closing and automatic doors must remain functional, and exit lighting must be kept operational.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-10, landlords bear direct responsibility for ensuring that exit doors from dwelling units—and doors from bedrooms or sleeping rooms in buildings housing three or more unrelated individuals—are fitted with compliant locking devices that allow keyless release from the interior. Compliant operators also verify that all openable windows within 10 feet vertically or 6 feet horizontally of ground level or accessible structures are equipped with inside-only sash locks maintained in good repair. Routine inspections of self-closing doors, automatic doors, and exit lighting help demonstrate ongoing compliance, and landlords should respond promptly when tenants report malfunctioning exit lights as required by this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-10 gives tenants the right to live in units where exit doors and accessible windows are equipped with hardware that allows easy escape from the inside. Tenants are prohibited from removing, disabling, or blocking required locking devices, sash locks, self-closing doors, or exit signage—and are specifically required to notify the landlord if exit lights are out or malfunctioning. If a landlord fails to maintain required exit hardware, tenants may consider documenting the deficiency, contacting local code enforcement or housing authorities in Kingston, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization to understand available remedies.
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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