CITY OF ROCHESTER LINKS

C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)

What is a C of O? A program designed to help stabilize and enhance our city neighborhoods by conducting regularly scheduled and ongoing property maintenance inspections. These visual inspections, based on local, state and federal code standards, ensure the preservation of property and the protection of life.
C of O's are required to be renewed for any structure that has residential rental dwelling units.
One and two family structures are renewed every six years; multiple dwellings and mixed use occupancies that have at least one dwelling unit are renewed every three years.
Property owners who occupy a one or two family dwelling are exempt from the C of O requirement.
Why do you need it? The Certificate of Occupancy is the City's assurance to a prospective buyer, current owner or tenant that the building substantially conforms to repair and maintenance standards as of the date of issuance.

More information about c of os and the process of obtaining one can be found at:

Wondering the status of a property's c of o? Fill out this form to get the information sent directly to you!

Lead is a highly toxic substance, exposure to which can produce a wide range of adverse health effects.
Both adults and children can suffer from the effects of lead poisoning, but childhood lead poisoning is much more frequent.
Rochester has a Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Ordinance- a law that requires inspections for lead paint hazards as an extension of the city’s existing inspection processes (Certificate of Occupancy, complaints, referrals, etc.), which applies to rental units within the City limits.
Most pre-1978 rental properties in the City of Rochester that require a Certificate of Occupancy are covered by this law.

Wondering how your property gets inspected for lead? Documents you might need? Click the link below.

Section 8, also known as The Housing Choice Voucher, is a federally-funded HUD program which subsidizes the rents of eligible low-income households.
Applicants are selected based on the total annual gross income and family size, and families cannot exceed the 50% of the median income for the Rochester area.
Apply through a waiting list.

Wonder how to get on The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list in Rochester? Click the link below.

To learn more about HUD, U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development, click here.

The Department of Social Services, or Human Services, provides various forms of assistance to citizens of Monroe County including income support, medical assistance, and comprehensive services.
It was created and designed to promote a higher quality of life for children, families, and disadvantaged or elderly adults.

For more information on the many services the DSS provides click the link below.

An organization for real estate investors in the Rochester, NY area.
Mission Statement: FFREIA enables individuals seeking financial security and freedom through real estate investing by offering education, networking and support to the community.
Value Statement: Investing in real estate is the best method to achieve true freedom and financial security; and that ethical, professional real estate investing positively impacts the community and local economy.
Offers a variety of memberships that come with a variety of benefits, which helps memebers get the most out of their money.

For more info on membership and to join, visit: https://www.ffreia.com

** Membership in Freedom First REIA includes membership in National REIA.

Updated Nov. 2021