N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2053
Obligations of owner (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. The owner of a multiple dwelling shall provide adequate janitorial services. b. In a multiple dwelling of nine or more dwelling units, the owner shall either: (1) Perform the janitorial services himself or herself, if he or she is a resident owner; or (2) Provide a janitor; or (3) Provide for janitorial services to be performed on a twenty-four-hour-a-day basis in a manner approved by the department. c. The owner of a multiple dwelling or his or her managing agent in control shall post and maintain in such dwelling a legible sign, conspicuously displayed, containing the janitor's name, address (including apartment number) and telephone number. A new identification sign shall be posted and maintained within five days following a change of janitor.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2053, owners of multiple dwellings are required to ensure that adequate janitorial services are provided to residents. Buildings with nine or more units must meet this obligation through one of three specific arrangements: a resident owner performing the services personally, employing a janitor, or arranging for round-the-clock janitorial coverage in a department-approved manner. Additionally, a clearly visible sign listing the janitor's name, address (including apartment number), and telephone number must be posted and kept current, with any change reflected by a new sign within five days.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multiple dwellings subject to N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2053 generally ensure that a compliant janitorial arrangement is in place before tenants occupy the building. For buildings of nine or more units, compliant operators document which of the three permitted service structures they have adopted—resident-owner service, a designated janitor, or an approved 24-hour service arrangement. They also maintain a legible, conspicuously posted identification sign with current janitor contact details, and update that sign within five days whenever the janitor changes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2053 give tenants in multiple dwellings the right to adequate janitorial services and, in buildings of nine or more units, to one of the specific service arrangements the law requires. Tenants can verify compliance by checking whether a legible sign with the janitor's name, address, and phone number is posted in a visible location. Those who believe their building is not meeting these obligations may consider filing a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on 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 October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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