Cal. Civ. Code § 170
Application of article six and other provisions to converted dwellings
Operative Text
§ 170. Application of article six and other provisions to converted
dwellings. The provisions of this article shall apply to converted
dwellings and to such dwellings only. They shall apply to all converted
dwellings unless their application is expressly limited to dwellings of
a particular class. The following enumerated articles and sections shall
also apply to all converted dwellings unless so limited:
Article 1. Introductory provisions; definitions.
2. Miscellaneous application provisions.
7-a. Temporary provisions.
8. Requirements and remedies.
9. Registry of names and service of papers.
10. Prostitution.
11. Laws repealed; saving clause; legislative intent; effect.
§ 28. Two or more buildings on same lot
29. Painting of courts and shafts
31. Size of rooms-- subdivision six
35. Entrance doors and lights
37. Artificial hall lighting
52. Stairs
55. Wainscoting
56. Frame buildings and extensions
57. Bells; mail receptacles
58. Incombustible materials
59. Bakeries and fat boiling
60. Motor vehicle storage
61. Business uses
62. Parapets, guard railings and wires-- subdivision two
75. Water supply
76. Water-closet and bath accommodations
77. Plumbing and drainage
78. Repairs
79. Heating
80. Cleanliness
81. Receptacles for waste matter
83. Janitor or housekeeper
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 170 establishes that Article 6 of the Multiple Dwelling Law governs converted dwellings—and only converted dwellings—unless a particular provision is expressly limited to a specific class of dwelling. Beyond Article 6 itself, § 170 extends a defined list of other articles and individual sections of the Multiple Dwelling Law to converted dwellings as well, covering topics ranging from water supply and plumbing to heating, cleanliness, and janitor requirements. This means that owners and occupants of converted dwellings are subject to a broader set of statutory obligations than just those found in Article 6 alone.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of converted dwellings in New York should be aware that § 170 of the Multiple Dwelling Law subjects their properties to both the full text of Article 6 and a specific enumerated set of additional articles and sections—including requirements related to water supply (§ 75), heating (§ 79), plumbing (§ 77), repairs (§ 78), and janitor or housekeeper provisions (§ 83), among others. A compliant operator generally maintains familiarity with each of the enumerated sections in § 170 and ensures that building conditions, systems, and staffing arrangements meet the standards those sections impose. Because the statute applies these provisions to all converted dwellings unless expressly limited, operators typically do not assume that a requirement is inapplicable without confirming that a class-based limitation exists in the text.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in converted dwellings in New York benefit from the protections of § 170, which extends a broad range of Multiple Dwelling Law requirements—covering areas such as water supply, heating, plumbing, cleanliness, and waste receptacles—to their building. If conditions in a converted dwelling appear to fall short of these standards, tenants generally have the option of raising a violation of § 170 or its enumerated sections as a defense in a housing proceeding, filing a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or the relevant local housing authority, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies. Understanding which specific enumerated sections under § 170 apply to a given condition can help tenants identify the appropriate avenue for addressing a concern.
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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