Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 § 176-21
Installation and maintenance
Operative Text
No person shall occupy as owner-occupant or let to another for occupancy any dwelling, multifamily dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, or rooming unit for the purpose of living, sleeping, cooking or eating therein, which does not comply with the following requirements: A. Facilities and equipment. All required equipment and all building space and parts in every dwelling and multifamily dwelling shall be constructed and maintained so as to properly and safely perform their intended function in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. B. Maintained clean and sanitary. All housing facilities shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition by the occupants so as not to breed insects and rodents or produce dangerous or offensive gases or odors. C. Plumbing fixtures. In buildings and structures used for human habitation, water lines, plumbing fixtures, vents and drains shall be properly installed, connected and maintained in working order and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects and capable of performing the function for which they are designed. All repairs and installations shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Plumbing Code adopted by the City of Troy. D. Plumbing systems. In buildings and structures used for human habitation, every plumbing stack, waste and sewer line shall be so installed and maintained as to function properly and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects to prevent structural deterioration or health hazards. All repairs and installations shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code or the Plumbing Code of the City of Troy. E. Heating equipment. Every space heating, cooking, and water-heating device located in a dwelling or multifamily dwelling shall be properly installed, connected and maintained and shall be capable of performing the function for which it was designated in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. The use of any portable kerosene heater in the City of Troy is hereby prohibited, pursuant to the provisions of § 239(g) of the Real Property Law of the State of New York. F. Shutoff valves. An easily accessible shutoff valve or cock shall be provided in the gas-piping system in close proximity to, and ahead of, every outlet for a gas appliance. G. Electrical outlets and fixtures. Every electrical outlet and fixture as required in § 176-23 shall be installed, maintained and connected to the source of electric power in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code or Electrical Code of the City of Troy. H. Correction of defective system. Where it is found, in the opinion of the City's Inspector, that the electrical system in a building constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the building by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, he/she shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.
Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 § 176-21 establishes baseline habitability standards for all dwellings and multifamily dwellings in Troy. The rule covers a broad range of systems—structural equipment, plumbing, heating, electrical, and sanitation—requiring that each be properly installed, maintained, and capable of performing its intended function. Notably, the provision bans portable kerosene heaters citywide and gives city inspectors authority to order corrections whenever an electrical system poses a hazard to occupants or the building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 176-21, compliant property owners and managers keep all building systems—plumbing stacks, heating equipment, electrical outlets, and fixtures—properly installed and in good working order in accordance with Troy's adopted codes. Operators ensure that gas-piping systems include accessible shutoff valves near each appliance outlet and that no portable kerosene heaters are used on the premises. When a city inspector identifies a hazardous electrical condition, a compliant operator promptly arranges for licensed repairs to eliminate the cited defect.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 176-21 gives occupants the right to live in a dwelling where plumbing, heating, and electrical systems are safe and functional, and where the premises are kept free from conditions that breed pests or produce dangerous odors. If a landlord fails to maintain these standards, tenants may report concerns to Troy's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and order corrections. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how to document conditions and what options may be available when a landlord does not comply.
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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