Cal. Civ. Code § 77
Plumbing and drainage
Operative Text
§ 77. Plumbing and drainage. 1. In every multiple dwelling all liquid or water-borne waste from plumbing fixtures shall be conveyed by a house drain and house sewer to a street sewer or to a combined street storm-water main and sewer, unless no such sewers are available. It shall be unlawful to erect a multiple dwelling which is to be occupied by five families or more unless a connection is made with a street sewer or combined street storm-water main and sewer. 2. For every multiple dwelling where neither kind of sewer is available, provision shall be made for disposing of such waste as may be required by local law. 3. All roofs, terraces, shafts, courts, areas and yards in every multiple dwelling shall be properly graded, drained and connected with a street storm-water main or combined sewer and street storm-water main so that all storm water may pass freely into it, except that where no street storm-water main or combined sewer and street storm-water main exists, the department may permit the storm water from such areas and spaces to drain into a street gutter which leads to a natural channel or water course, or into a dry well. When required by the department, the shafts, courts, areas and yards shall be properly concreted. Every roof shall be so drained that all storm water shall be conveyed therefrom in a manner that will prevent dripping to the ground or the causing of dampness in walls, ceilings, yards, shafts or areas. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the turfing over of any yard or court space or the planting of shrubs or trees therein when approved by the department. 4. The owner of every multiple dwelling or part thereof shall thoroughly cleanse and keep clean at all times, and in good repair, the entire plumbing and drainage system including every water-closet, toilet and sink and every other plumbing fixture therein. 5. Whenever the plumbing, sewerage or drainage of any multiple dwelling or part thereof or of the lot on which it is situated is in the opinion of the department in a condition or in its effect dangerous to life or health, the department may order or cause any such plumbing, sewerage or drainage to be purified, cleansed, disinfected, removed, altered, repaired or improved, or, as provided in section three hundred nine, take such other action as it may deem necessary to remove such danger to life or health.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 77 establishes comprehensive requirements for how waste water, storm water, and plumbing systems must be managed in buildings with multiple residential units. Liquid waste must be routed to public sewers whenever they are available, and buildings housing five or more families cannot be built without such a sewer connection. Roofs, yards, and other exterior spaces must be graded and drained to prevent water accumulation, and all plumbing fixtures must be kept clean and in good repair at all times. When the relevant city or local department determines that any plumbing or drainage condition poses a danger to life or health, it has authority to order corrective action or intervene directly.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners and managers of multiple dwellings subject to N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 77 are generally expected to maintain an ongoing program of plumbing and drainage upkeep that covers every fixture, drain, and sewer connection in the building. Compliant operators ensure that roofs, terraces, courts, and yards are properly graded and connected to storm-water infrastructure, and that no storm water drips onto walls, ceilings, or adjacent spaces. Because § 77(4) places the cleanliness and repair obligation squarely on the owner at all times, operators typically document routine inspections and address deficiencies promptly to remain in compliance with departmental standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in a multiple dwelling covered by N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 77 have an interest in knowing that the law requires building owners—not tenants—to keep all plumbing and drainage systems clean and in good repair at all times. If a plumbing or drainage condition appears to be deteriorating or causing dampness, odors, or health concerns, tenants can report the condition to the local housing or buildings department, which holds authority under § 77(5) to order repairs or take corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations and local rent boards can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what complaint processes may be available in their municipality.
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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