N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2072
Fire protection (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. In a multiple dwelling, the owner shall fire-retard in every kitchen and kitchenette all combustible material immediately underneath or within one foot of any apparatus used for cooking or warming food; or shall cover such combustible material with asbestos of at least three-sixteenths of an inch in thickness and twenty-six gauge metal, or with fire resistive material of equivalent rating, except where such cooking or warming apparatus is installed in accordance with requirements established by the department in conformity with generally accepted safety standards. There shall be at least two feet of clear space above the exposed cooking surface of any such apparatus. b. In a multiple dwelling, the owner shall, in every kitchenette, either fire-retard the ceilings and walls, exclusive of doors, or install one or more sprinkler heads to fuse at a temperature not higher than two hundred and twelve degrees Fahrenheit. Such heads shall be connected to the water supply through a pipe of at least one-half inch in diameter. Any kitchenette which was accepted or approved by the department on or before July first, nineteen hundred fifty-two and maintained in accordance with such acceptance or approval shall be deemed to be in compliance with this subdivision.
N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2072 establish fire-protection standards for kitchens and kitchenettes in multiple dwellings. Combustible materials near cooking or warming appliances must be treated with fire-retardant methods—such as asbestos sheeting of specified thickness, twenty-six gauge metal, or equivalent fire-resistive materials—or the appliance must meet department-approved safety standards, with at least two feet of clear space above the cooking surface. In kitchenettes specifically, ceilings and walls (excluding doors) must be fire-retarded or fitted with sprinkler heads rated to fuse at no more than 212°F and connected to the water supply through adequately sized piping, unless the kitchenette was accepted or approved by the department on or before July 1, 1952.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2072, owners of multiple dwellings are responsible for ensuring that kitchens and kitchenettes meet specific fire-protection requirements. Compliant operators typically inspect combustible materials beneath and within one foot of cooking appliances, apply approved fire-resistive treatments or confirm department-approved appliance installations, and verify that at least two feet of clear space is maintained above cooking surfaces. For kitchenettes, compliant operators also ensure that ceilings and walls are fire-retarded or that properly connected sprinkler heads with the correct fuse temperature are installed and maintained.
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 27-2072 give tenants in multiple dwellings the right to kitchens and kitchenettes that meet defined fire-protection standards, including proper treatment of combustible surfaces near cooking appliances and adequate fire suppression measures in kitchenettes. If a tenant believes these standards are not being met—for example, if combustible materials near a stove appear untreated or sprinkler heads are absent or damaged—they may consider documenting the conditions and filing a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what remedies or enforcement options may be available under this provision.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.