Cal. Civ. Code § 8
General application of chapter to dwellings
Operative Text
§ 8. General application of chapter to dwellings. All the requirements of this chapter shall apply to all kinds and classes of multiple dwellings, except where there are specific provisions, requirements or exceptions for one or more kinds or classes. A specific provision for one kind or class of dwelling shall apply only to that kind or class of dwelling to which such reference is made. Whenever a specific provision is inconsistent with a general provision of this chapter, the specific provision shall apply and take precedence. The department shall have power to classify dwellings in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 8 establishes how the Multiple Dwelling Law applies across different types of residential buildings in New York. As a general rule, every requirement in the law covers all categories of multiple dwellings, but where the law contains a provision tailored to a specific type or class of building, that targeted rule governs instead of the general one. When a general rule and a specific rule conflict, the specific rule wins. The relevant city or state department also holds authority to formally classify dwellings according to the law's framework.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 8, property owners and managers operating multiple dwellings generally start from the premise that all provisions of the Multiple Dwelling Law apply to their buildings. Compliant operators identify whether their building falls into a particular class or kind of dwelling that carries its own specific requirements, since those targeted rules take precedence over general ones where a conflict exists. Keeping accurate records of a building's classification and staying current with class-specific provisions is a practice commonly associated with 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 § 8 means that tenants living in any type of multiple dwelling are generally entitled to the full protections the Multiple Dwelling Law provides, unless a more specific provision applies to their building's class. If a landlord claims a general requirement does not apply, tenants can look to whether a class-specific rule actually governs the situation under this section. Tenants who believe the law is being misapplied to their building type may find it useful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant housing department for guidance on how their dwelling is classified.
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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