Cal. Civ. Code § 121
Prohibiting advertising that promotes the use of dwelling units in a class A multiple dwelling for other than permanent residence purposes
Operative Text
§ 121. Prohibiting advertising that promotes the use of dwelling units in a class A multiple dwelling for other than permanent residence purposes. 1. It shall be unlawful to advertise occupancy or use of dwelling units in a class A multiple dwelling for occupancy that would violate subdivision eight of section four of this chapter defining a "class A" multiple dwelling as a multiple dwelling that is occupied for permanent residence purposes. 2. Any person found to have violated the provisions of subdivision one of this section shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars for the first violation, five thousand dollars for the second violation and seven thousand five hundred dollars for the third and subsequent violations. 3. For the purposes of this section, the term "advertise" shall mean any form of communication for marketing that is used to encourage, persuade or manipulate viewers, readers or listeners into contracting for goods and/or services as may be viewed through various media including, but not limited to, newspapers, magazines, flyers, handbills, television commercials, radio, signage, direct mail, websites or text messages. 4. Notwithstanding the provisions of section three hundred three of this chapter, in a city with a population of one million or more the provisions of this section shall be enforced by the mayor's office of special enforcement.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 121 makes it unlawful to advertise dwelling units in a Class A multiple dwelling for uses that would violate the building's classification as a permanent-residence structure — meaning short-term or transient occupancy arrangements cannot legally be promoted through any medium. The law defines advertising broadly to include digital platforms, print, signage, direct mail, and text messages, among others. Civil penalties escalate with each violation, reaching up to $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $7,500 for third and subsequent violations. In cities with a population of one million or more, enforcement falls to the mayor's office of special enforcement rather than the standard enforcement channel.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 121, operators of Class A multiple dwellings generally ensure that no listing, post, flyer, website entry, or other marketing material promotes occupancy that would be inconsistent with permanent-residence use. Compliant operators review all advertising channels — including third-party rental platforms and social media — to confirm that no content implies or invites short-term or transient stays. Because penalties under § 121 increase with each successive violation, property managers typically maintain internal policies and records documenting their advertising practices to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 121 reflects a broader legal framework protecting the permanent-residence character of Class A multiple dwellings, which can bear on tenant rights when a building's residential nature is at issue. If a tenant believes a landlord is advertising units in their building for transient or short-term use in violation of § 121, they may report the conduct to the mayor's office of special enforcement (in cities of one million or more) or to the relevant local housing authority. Tenants seeking to understand how this provision intersects with their lease or housing stability may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with New York's Multiple Dwelling Law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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