Buffalo City Ordinance Chapter 264, Licensing of Rental Housing Business, requires the registration of non-owner occupied one and two-family rental dwellings.

Q: What is the Buffalo Rental Registry?
A: The Buffalo Rental Registry consists of a database of relevant information regarding all non-owner occupied one and two-family rental dwellings in the City of Buffalo, including the name and address of the owners and telephone numbers where the owner or the owner’s agent can be reached at all times.

Q: Why is a Buffalo Registry necessary?
A: An improvement in safety and habitability for Buffalo rental housing is the governing purpose of the Registry. It provides the first citywide system for identifying rental housing, identifying safety issues in rental properties and lays a foundation for a system of code enforcement in rental properties.

Q: What are the benefits to Buffalo landlords?
A: 1) The protection of the character and stability of residential areas and preservation of the value of land and buildings throughout the City of Buffalo and 2) To require tenants to be accountable for issues such as respecting the occupancy limit and lawful use of the dwelling, maintaining sanitary conditions and keeping pets in an appropriate manner and under control.

Q: What are the fees?
A: The fees are $10 per year for single non-owner occupied dwellings and $20 per year for two-family dwellings. The initial inspection and the first re-inspection are free. Any and all subsequent inspections to assure compliance cost $75.00 per inspection.

Q: When are the fees due?
A: The Buffalo Rental Registry year is January 1st to December 31st. Registration is renewable annually. Bills are sent in January and are due within 30 days. Payment can be made in person or by mail, or you may also register and pay online by visiting www.city-buffalo.com and following the Rental Registry link.

Q: Are the certificates transferable?
A: Yes. Buffalo registration certificates are valid for one year and are transferable to any person who has acquired ownership of a registered building for the unexpired portion of the one-year term for which it was issued, provided that an application to transfer such certificate is filed with the Commissioner within 30 days of the title transfer.

Q: What if I fail to register my Buffalo property?
A: If application and payment are not received within 30 days, fees will be doubled. Failure to comply is punishable by a penalty of not more than $1,500 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or by both for each offense. Failure to register will also automatically trigger an inspection and will result in issuance of an Order to Vacate the occupants of the dwelling.

Q: What else will trigger an inspection of Buffalo property?
A: Any of the following will also result in an inspection being performed:
a) Complaint received ;
b) The registration certificate being revoked ;
c) The property has been found to be abandoned ;
d) The property owner has unpaid taxes or user fees; or
e) The property has excessive exterior violations.