N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2042
Mirrors in elevators (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
The owner of a multiple dwelling in which there are one or more self-service elevators shall affix and maintain in each such elevator a mirror which enables persons to view its interior before entering the same. The mirror shall meet such requirements as the department shall by regulation prescribe.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2042, buildings with self-service elevators are required to have a mirror installed in each elevator car that allows people to see the interior of the elevator before they step inside. The mirror must conform to specifications set by the relevant city department through its regulations. This rule is a safety measure aimed at reducing the risk of concealed threats or hazards inside elevator cars.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2042 are generally expected to install an appropriately sized and positioned mirror in every self-service elevator in their multiple dwelling and to keep each mirror in good working condition. Compliant operators routinely inspect mirrors for damage, obstruction, or improper placement and replace or reposition them as needed to ensure a clear view of the elevator interior. Staying current with any departmental regulations that prescribe specific mirror standards—such as size, placement, or reflective quality—is part of ongoing maintenance practice.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in multiple dwellings with self-service elevators have a right to functional mirrors in those elevators under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2042. If a mirror is missing, broken, or obstructed, tenants can document the condition and report it to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, which oversees housing maintenance standards. Tenant-rights organizations can also provide information about available enforcement paths, including how violations of this provision may be raised in housing court proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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