Troy, NY Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Chapter 176 of the Troy City Code, the Minimum Housing Standards Code for Residential Dwellings and Multifamily Dwellings, puts complaint handling in the hands of the Director of Code Enforcement or a designee. Section 176-5 makes the Director responsible for enforcing the Housing Code and lists, as a standing duty, causing an investigation of all legitimate complaints of alleged housing violations or other unsafe or unsanitary conditions. The sections read for this page print no complaint form, hotline or response deadline, so the process runs through the Bureau of Code Enforcement.

What follows a complaint is set by the rest of the chapter. Under § 176-8, there is no charge for inspections performed as the result of complaints, while an inspection by request costs a $35 minimum plus $15 for each additional dwelling unit per building. Under § 176-6, the Director or a designee inspects dwellings, rooming houses and premises, and it is unlawful for any person to refuse entrance to or impede an inspector who displays proper identification. Tenants must in turn give the owner access at reasonable times under § 176-7 so repairs can be made.

Coordination protects the owner and occupant. Section 176-5 requires that when other departments need to inspect, owners and occupants not be subjected to visits by numerous inspectors or to multiple or conflicting orders, and no correction order issues without the Director's approval. If the Director finds a violation, § 176-12 requires a written notice that describes the real estate, specifies the violation and the remedial action required, and allows a reasonable time for the work. A dwelling declared unfit for human habitation is placarded under § 176-10, and § 176-11 requires that a copy of any notice to vacate be furnished to each affected tenant.