Property Maintenance in New York, NY (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for New York, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property Blight
New York City's Department of Buildings can declare any structurally compromised, fire-hazardous, or dangerous building an 'unsafe building' under Administrative Code Article 216 and order it sealed, repaired, or demolished at the owner's expense.
NYC Unsafe Building Abatement Law
Significant RestrictionsNew York City Administrative Code §§ 28-216.1, 28-216.1.1
Any building, structure or part thereof described in this article shall be deemed an unsafe building and shall be demolished or removed or made safe and secure as provided herein. Any structure or premises or part of a structure or premises that from any cause may at any time become dangerous or unsafe, structurally or as a fire hazard, or dangerous or detrimental to human life, health or safet...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
New York City law requires every owner of a vacant lot to keep it and the abutting sidewalk free of garbage, refuse, and debris, with fines starting at $100.
NYC Vacant Lot Cleanliness Law
Some RestrictionsNew York City Administrative Code § 16-118(2)(b)
Every owner, lessee, tenant or person in charge of any vacant lot shall keep and cause to be kept the sidewalk, flagging and curbstone abutting said vacant lot free from obstruction and nuisances of every kind... Every owner, lessee, tenant or person in charge of any vacant lot shall keep and cause to be kept said vacant lot free from garbage, refuse, rubbish, litter, debris and other offensive...
Snow & Sidewalk Clearing
NYC property owners must clear snow and ice from abutting sidewalks within 4 daytime hours after snow stops falling, or face civil penalties starting at $10.
NYC Sidewalk Snow Clearing Deadline
Some RestrictionsNew York City Administrative Code § 16-123
Every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or other person, having charge of any building or lot of ground in the city, abutting upon any street where the sidewalk is paved, shall, within four hours after the snow ceases to fall, or after the deposit of any dirt or other material upon such sidewalk, remove the snow or ice, dirt, or other material from the sidewalk and gutter, the time between nine ...