Buffalo, NY Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Chapter 264, City of Buffalo Code
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Permit & Inspection Services
- Covered units
- Non-owner-occupied 1-2 family rentals
- Fees
- $100 application; $50-$100 annual
- Required to rent
- Certificate of Rental Compliance
Summary
Buffalo requires every non-owner-occupied one- and two-family rental to register with the Department of Permit and Inspection Services and hold a Certificate of Rental Compliance, earned through a proactive inspection under Chapter 264 of the City Code.
Within 60 days after the effective date of this chapter, the owner of each dwelling unit existing on the effective date of this chapter shall make written application to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services for a rental dwelling unit registration certificate. In addition, the owner of each dwelling unit constructed after the effective date of this chapter shall make written application to the building official for a rental dwelling unit registration certificate as herein provided prior to any initial occupancy. Such application shall be made on a form furnished by the Commissioner and shall set forth the following information, in addition to other information required by the Commissioner from time to time which may be necessary to administer, enforce, and insure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the housing code.
(1) Name, principal residence address, principal business address and telephone number of the owner.
(2) If the owner is an association, limited liability partnership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common or tenancy by the entirety, then each and every owner or general partner shall be indicated on the application and register an address in accordance with Subsection A(1) of this section.
(3)
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 264, the owner of each non-owner-occupied one- or two-family dwelling must file a rental dwelling unit registration certificate application with the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services, and new construction must apply before initial occupancy. Buffalo's 2020 Proactive Rental Inspections Law adds a mandatory inspection: the Department inspects each registered unit for lead paint, smoke detectors, and structural, plumbing and electrical hazards, then issues a Certificate of Rental Compliance when the unit passes. A property that fails or refuses inspection cannot lawfully operate as an income property. The new-application fee is $100, with annual renewals of $50 (single-unit) or $100 (two-unit) from 2025.
Violations & Fines
A rental that fails or refuses inspection may not lawfully operate as an income property, and its tenants cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent. Owners also risk denial or revocation of the rental registration certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register a rental I own but don't live in?
What is a Certificate of Rental Compliance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York rental inspections overview
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