Neighborhood and Community Services

SeeClickFix is an efficient online tool that empowers users to reach the right city department to report non-emergency matters. SeeClickFix is direct, transparent and trackable, and helps city government and residents work together in a timely manner to preserve and promote clean, safe, and healthy communities. SeeClickFix is used for city issues such as the following (see the full listing when you report an issue on the SeeClickFix link on your computer or the SeeClickFix app on your smartphone):

• Street issues, including potholes, tree issues, sewer back-ups, damaged sidewalks, abandoned cars, snow removal, street cleaning, street signage and non-emergency street light repairs
• Property maintenance, including code violations, overgrown lots, graffiti, code violations, trash issues such as illegal trash, tree issues, vacant lots and more 

DO NOT use SeeClickFix to report public safety emergencies such as the following, always call 911:

• suspicious persons or vehicles
• dirt bikes and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) on streets
• abused or attacking dogs
• loud noises or music that can be heard outside the property boundary or vehicle
• unlicensed door-to-door solicitors
• the shooting of guns or illegal fireworks
• illegal or unpermitted dumping or burning of trash 
• illegal drug activity

The Department of Housing and Community Development offers grants to residents for various home improvement scenarios. To find out more about any of the following grants, visit the  Dept. of Housing and Community Development website or contact 518-434-CITY or  communitydevelopment@albanyny.gov. 

Accessibility Home Grants

Grants up to $25,000 are available to make a home or apartment accessible to people with health conditions or impairments.  

Home Ownership Grants

The Dept. of Housing and Community Development has two programs that provide assistance with down payment & closing costs on 1-4 unit homes purchased in the City of Albany. Learn more at the Dept. of Housing and Community Development website or contact staff at 518-434-CITY or communitydevelopment@albanyny.gov. 

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grants

Grants of up to $20,000 per unit are available for lead testing and removal in owner-occupied homes and apartments. It covers residences where a pregnant woman lives or where children under age 6 live or spend a significant amount of time. Learn more at the Dept. of Housing and Community Development website. For more information, contact (518) 434-CITY or communitydevelopment@albanyny.gov.

Lead Service Pipe Replacement Program

The Albany Water Department reimburses up to $2,000 to aid the replacement of a lead pipe service line. All homeowners with lead pipe service lines are eligible for the grants, including owners of small multi-unit properties and those who do not reside in the home. For tenants or homeowners who are not able to complete a replacement at this time, AWD is providing free water filters to any household with a water sample that tests high for lead (above 10 ppb). For more information, call (518) 434-5300 or visit the lead pipe replacement website.

Rehab Grants

The City provides rehab grants of up to $5,000 for owner-occupied homes with 1-4 units to eliminate threats to the health, safety and welfare of occupants and make them code-compliant. Grants are also available for emergency repairs, including grants for seniors. For more information, contact (518) 434-CITY or communitydevelopment@albanyny.gov. Financial assistance for rehabs is also provided to landlords who own multi-family homes and apartment buildings where low- and moderate-income tenants live. Learn more about the rehab programs at the Dept. of Housing and Community Development website.

Code Enforcement and Violations

Under the Albany Renters’ Bill of Rights, tenants have the right to live in housing that is free from code violations and meets basic standards of safe and sanitary living. If you have an emergency code issue outside of normal business hours, call the Albany Police Department at 518-438-4000. In an emergency, APD will notify the on-call inspector. A City Code Inspector is always on call for emergencies, 24/7. But if your emergency is life-threatening, call 911.  

Filing a Complaint

Tenants or landlords who feel that the other party is not meeting minimum standards should attempt to resolve disputes themselves. If this is unsuccessful, either party may report suspected code violations to the Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance by email or by calling (518) 434-5995. If your landlord is unwilling to fix code violations, contact the City of Albany's Department of Buildings and Regulatory Compliance at (518) 434-5995 or by email and they will make an appointment to have a code inspector visit the site and evaluate the issue. If you have an after-hours code emergency (e.g., no heat, flooding, ceiling collapsing), contact the Albany Police Department at (518) 434-4000. They will be able to contact the on-call code inspector, who is available 24/7, 365 days per year.

Tenants have a right to bring up any maintenance issues with your landlord. It is a good idea to submit this request in writing and to keep a copy of any communication about the violation(s). If your landlord does not address the problem, you have the right to make a code complaint to the City of Albany by calling (518) 434-5995 or by email. Click here to visit the website of the Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance. 

In New York State, it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against you, treat you differently, or refuse to rent to you. For more information about protections against Housing Discrimination, and listings of where you can receive help, visit the city’s “Housing Discrimination” website. 

Eviction Threat

For tenants facing eviction, the worst thing to do is nothing. Pay attention to any court dates or deadlines. Talk to your landlord - can you work out a payment plan? Apply for assistance? Fix the lease violations? Contact the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York at (833) 628-0087 to see if you may be eligible for free civil legal services. To learn more about the eviction process, visit the City of Albany’s Understanding Legal Processes page, which also includes information about the housing court process. 

Other helpful links

• Discrimination in Housing
• Eviction Threat: For tenants facing eviction, the worst thing to do is nothing. Pay attention to any court dates or deadlines. Talk to your landlord - can you work out a payment plan? Apply for assistance? Fix the lease violations? Contact the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York at (833) 628-0087 to see if you may be eligible for free civil legal services. To learn more about the eviction process, visit the City of Albany’s Understanding Legal Processes page, which also includes information about the housing court process.
• Signing a Lease and Moving In
• Finding & Applying for Housing
• Why Renter’s Insurance?
• Your Responsibilities as a Renter 
• Home Maintenance for Renters 
• Renters' Bill of Rights
• Residential Occupancy Permits (ROP): Every rental property in Albany is required to obtain a document called a Residential Occupancy Permit, or ROP. This document certifies that a city code inspector has examined the unit and found it safe for people to live in. To find out if your apartment, or another, has an ROP, visit the Citizen’s Self-Service Portal from the records of the Department of Buildings & Regulatory Compliance. To report a rental unit without an ROP, contact Code Enforcement at codes@albanyny.gov or 518-434-5995.

Paying and Resolving Tickets

The Parking Violations Bureau is responsible for collecting and resolving any parking tickets and/or violations within the city. To access ticket information or pay your ticket/violation online visit the Ticket Information site. Tickets/violations may also be paid by mail or in person. The address is: Parking Violations Bureau/ 24 Eagle Street, Room 203/Albany, NY 12207. Additional information can be found on the Parking Violations website. If you have questions, please contact the Parking Violations Bureau at (518) 434-5006 or parkingticketappeal@albanyny.gov.

Parking Violations, Reporting

To report a parking violation within the City of Albany, please contact the Parking Enforcement Office at the Albany Parking Authority at 518 434-8887 from 8AM-4PM (for blocked driveways, please call the Albany Police Department at (518) 438-4000 anytime). 

Parking Downtown in Garages and Lots

With three parking garages, nine parking lots, and over 2,000 metered spaces, the Albany Parking Authority provides a variety of convenient parking options for any visit to Downtown Albany. You can reach APA (25 Orange St.) at CustomerService@ParkAlbany.com or (518) 434-8886.

Residential Parking Permit

To sign up, purchase, and manage your Residential Parking Permit – and find out if you live in a downtown neighborhood that requires one -- visit the Residential Parking Permit website or contact the City Clerk’s office at clerkinfo@albanyny.gov or (518) 434-5090.

Emergency No Parking

Emergency No Parking signs are issued to residents and businesses for the purpose of reserving on-street parking spaces when off-street parking or loading spaces are not large enough.  All requests are reviewed and considered.  APD reserves the right to deny or request modification of all requests. For more detailed information about the process, or to apply for an Emergency No Parking sign, please call the City’s Traffic Engineering Division at 518-434-5791 or visit the Emergency No Parking website. 

Parking Tickets

The City’s Parking Violations Bureau is responsible for collecting and resolving any parking tickets and/or parking violations in the city. Access ticket information or pay your ticket/violation online. Tickets/violations may also be paid by mail or in person (Parking Violations Bureau/24 Eagle Street, Room 203/Albany, NY 12207). If you would like to appeal your ticket, email parkingticketappeal@albanyny.gov. May information about parking tickets can be found here. More information about parking permits for persons with disabilities can be found here. 

Red Light Traffic Violations

Review your red light traffic violations, pay your ticket, and access frequently asked questions here or call the Citation Processing Center at 855-370-4229 between 8AM-6PM.

Tax Bill 

Access information about your tax bill, including how to view, print, and pay it on the Treasurer’s Office website. The site includes how you can pay online, by mail, or in person, and how to pay by installment. The Treasurer’s Office is at 24 Eagle Street, Room 109, Albany, NY 12207, and staff can be reached at (518) 434-5035. For information on the STaR program, please visit the Assessment Office webpage.

Waste Collection Fee

A waste collection fee (WCF) is assessed on all residential homes of four units or less, including single family homes, and it covers all waste collection pickup. The WCF is now added annually to all tax bills. For information on the Waste Collection Fee, visit the Waste Collection Fee Program website or visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for the Program.

Water Bill

To learn about how you can pay your water bill, or to pay it online, visit the Water Department’s Bill Payment website. You can also pay your bill by mail or in person (Dept. of Water and Water Supply/10 Enterprise Drive/Albany, NY 12204) or by phone (518) 518-438-5300 using a credit card. If you have any questions about your bill, contact the department at 518-434-5300 or at water@albanyny.gov.

To report a fire or if you need police for an emergency, call 911. 

For non-emergency fire issues call (518) 447-7879 during work hours, and (518) 438-4000 during evenings, weekends and holidays. Visit the Albany Fire Department website to learn more about the the AFD and fire prevention, visit their website. For non-emergency police issues, call (518) 438-4000. For more information about the Albany Police Department services and programs, visit their website. Some examples include: dogs barking loudly for a long time, Lost/Stray dogs, 

call the police dispatch at (518) 434-4000 so the police can visit the residence while the nuisance is occurring.

Do not use SeeClickFix for emergency public safety matters. Use 911 to report issues such as:

• suspicious persons or vehicles
• abused or attacking dogs or dogs left outside for extended periods in the cold
• the shooting of guns or illegal fireworks
• illegal drug activity

Motor Vehicle Accident Reports 

For motor vehicle accident reports you filed with the Albany Police Department, please visit CrashDocs to access your accident reports.

Nixle Alerts and Advisories

Sign up for Nixle Alerts on your computer or download the Nixle app on your smartphone to stay informed about public safety issues, as well as snow issues, with real time texts and emails. 

Police Neighborhood Officers Map/Listing

To see which beat officer works in your neighborhood, see the Neighborhood Engagement Unit map. For more information about the Albany Police Department, visit their website.

Police Officers, Reporting Alleged Misconduct

The Albany Community Police Review Board (CPRB) is an independent police oversite agency that investigates complaints of alleged misconduct by APD officers. To file a complaint, fill out the Albany Community Police Complaint form and submit the form online, email it to cprb@albanylaw.edu, or drop off a signed paper copy in person or mail it to ACPRB/c/o Government Law Center/Albany Law School/80 New Scotland Ave./Albany, NY 12208-3494. A list of outside organizations where you can get a form and that can assist you in completing it can be found here. For more information, visit the ACPRB website at albanycprb.org or call their office at (518) 445-2383.

Applying for a Job with the City of Albany

You can view city job openings by visiting the City of Albany's Employment Portal, or by visiting The Human Resources Department (Room 301, 24 Eagle Street, City Hall). After you check minimum qualifications, you can fill out an application (or visit the HR Office, where they can help you fill out an application). If you have questions, contact the Human Resources Department at hr@albanyny.gov or 518-434-5049.

Taking a Civil Service Exam for a City Job

You can check on upcoming civil service exams being offered for City of Albany jobs at https://jobs.albanyny.gov/exams. This portal provides civil service job descriptions as well as information about salaries, application deadlines, how to get email notifications for upcoming exams, as well as how to prepare for a civil service exam. If you have questions, contact the Human Resources Department at hr@albanyny.gov or 518-434-5049.

Domestic Violence Services

Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center. 24-Hour Sexual Assault Hotline at (518) 447-7716. Otherwise, contact the office at (518) 447-7100 or cvsvc@albanycounty.com.

Equinox Inc. 

24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at (518) 432-7865 - available to victims, friends, family, or other concerned individuals. Collect calls accepted. Equinox is located at 102 Hackett Blvd. Albany, NY 12209 and you can reach them at (518) 434-6135 (Option 2).

Food Assistance (Financial Aid/Meals/Food Pantries)

Governmental Financial Assistance to Buy Food

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides low-income residents/families with financial assistance to buy food at grocery stores. Apply online, in-person at Albany County Social Services Department (162 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY), or by calling (518) 447-2551.

Health Assistance

Albany Damien Center

Provides a variety of services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Services include counseling, housing assistance, job placement assistance, and assistance navigating social services (728 Madison Avenue – Suite 100, Albany 12208). Call (518) 449-7119.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low income individuals and families. Residents apply for Medicaid through Albany County. Call 1 (855) 355-5777 or apply online. For in-person assistance or an appointment to meet with a Certified Application Counselor call (518) 447-4989 at 162 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY.

Vaccinations and Immunization Shots – Albany County Department of Health

You can receive child and adult immunization shots at 175 Green Street, Albany 12202, including those for the flu or COVID (shots not provided for travel or for shingles). For more information, visit the Department of Health website. Walk-ins accepted Monday through Friday from 9AM to 3PM. Call (518) 447-4589 to schedule an appointment.

Whitney Young Health

Provides various healthcare services on a sliding scale for the uninsured and can also help residents find healthcare plans which benefit them. For more info, visit www.wmyhealth.org or call (518) 465-4771 (920 Lark Drive, Albany, NY 12207).  

Homeless Services/Affordable Housing

Albany County Department of Social Services (DSS)

Residents who are seeking shelter can contact Albany County Department of Social Services during at (518) 447-7595 between 8:30AM to 4:30PM on week days. For more information, you can visit their website. Clients may also visit in person to find out if they are eligible for emergency housing (162 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210).

Affordable Housing Partnership

The Affordable Housing Partnership provides homebuyer education, down payment assistance, home energy efficiency training and connects residents to down payment assistance programs through SONYMA and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Contact them Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 5:00PM at (518) 434-1730 or info@ahphome.org -- or visit their offices (255 Orange Street, Albany 12210).

Capital City Rescue Mission

Capital City Rescue Mission provides the following free services for people who are poor or homeless, offering meals, shelter, clothing, a health clinic, and a learning center. Those seeking shelter should come before 5:30PM (if possible) with their ID to the front desk at 259 South Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202. Contact (518) 462-0459. 

CARES of NY, Inc.

Provides services to homeless or people at risk of becoming homeless and can be reached at (518) 489-4130 or caresny.org. 

Family Promise of the Capital Region

Family Promise of the Capital Region (738 New Scotland Avenue Albany, NY 12208) provides food, shelter, and community-based support services for homeless families. To get more information or contact the Family Promise, visit their website, email info@familypromisecr.org, or call (518) 650-8896.

Homeless and Travelers Aid Society Albany (HATAS)

Provides services to individuals facing housing insecurity or homelessness. Call (518) 463-2124 to get services or speak with a HATAS case worker about how to meet the immediate need for shelter, food, and clothing, as well as addressing the long-term need for affordable housing and sustainable employment. (138 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206). 

Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC) of Albany

The Albany Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC) helps people aged 60 and over age in place. NNORC staff coordinates services and community resources that help seniors maintain their quality of life and independence, access services, and remain connected to their neighborhoods. By supporting aging in place, NNORC not only helps seniors but contributes to the diversity and stability of their neighborhoods. To learn more about their services, visit the NNORC website at or reach them at 518-482-8856. To see the Albany neighborhood covered by NNORC visit the NNORC Neighborhood map.

Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter, at the St. Anne Institute

Emergency short-term shelter (21-30 days) open 24/7/365 to any youth, male or female, ages 13-17, who is a runaway, homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or in an otherwise unsafe situation. The program, located at the St. Anne Institute (160 North Main Avenue Albany, New York 12206) provides resources and referrals to Medical Care/Services, Education and Employment Placement, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling, and more. The Street Outreach Team is available for 13-21 year olds. For more information, visit their website. To reach them 24/7, call (518) 437-6581.

Senior Housing Directory, Guardian Society (Senior Housing List)

The Albany Guardian Society maintains a list of housing options for seniors that includes affordable housing, subsidized housing, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. For more info, call (518) 434-2140 (12 Corporate Woods Blvd., Albany, NY 12211-2523).

Rental Assistance & Housing Resources

These are only potential sources of rental assistance funding or housing opportunities. Funding may not be available and is not guaranteed. United Tenants of Albany (UTA) is currently the community's primary rental assistance provider.

UTA provides services to tenants struggling with landlords or facing eviction. Services are individualized based on need, but can include helping with rent to prevent eviction, and legal representation support in eviction court. For more information about UTA, visit https://utalbany.org/. Call (518) 436-8997, ext. 3 (UTA often has high call volumes) or email the hotline@unitedtenantsalbany.org to set up an appointment at their offices at 295 Hamilton St. in Albany.

Tenant Services

Eviction Threat 

For tenants facing eviction, the worst thing to do is nothing. Pay attention to any court dates or deadlines. Talk to your landlord. Can you work out a payment plan? Apply for assistance? Fix the lease violations? Contact the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York at (833) 628-0087 to see if you may be eligible for free civil legal services. To learn more about the eviction process, visit the City of Albany’s Understanding Legal Processes page, which also includes information about the housing court process. 

Renters Bill of Rights – and What to Do When They’re Violated

If you feel like your tenant rights have been violated, you have several options when it comes to organizations that may be able to help. To learn what rights an Albany renter has, visit the City’s Renters Bill of Rights webpage. For assistance or guidance in pursuing civil legal action against a landlord, visit New York State CourtHelp for a variety of self-help resources. You may also try contacting the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York at (833) 628-0087. 

For tenant advocacy or mediation services, contact United Tenants of Albany at (518) 436-8997, ext. 3. To make a report to a state or federal entity about housing discrimination: 

• New York State Division of Human Rights: (518) 474-2705
• New York State Office of the Attorney General: (212) 416-8250
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: 1-800-955-2232

Tenant Behind on Rent and/or Utilities

United Tenants of Albany is currently the community's primary rental assistance provider. They also have some funding for utility assistance. UTA can be reached by phone at (518) 436-8997, ext. 3. See the sections below, "Rental Assistance & Housing Resources" and "Utility Assistance Resources" for listings of organizations that may be able to help. 

Utility Assistance

Heating/Electricity Financial Assistance 

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households to pay for heating/electricity. You can learn more by visiting their website at Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | Albany County, calling (518) 765-3560, or visiting Cornell Cooperative Extension at 230 Green Street, Albany 12202.

Internet Financial Assistance 

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps low-income residents (including those who that qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC) receive broadband and Internet service by paying up to $30 per month discount on Internet service, and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop. For more information, call (877) 384-2575 or online, where you can apply, at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/.

Water and Sewer Financial Assistance 

The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps low income households pay the cost of water and sewer services. The program can assist households who have past due bills for water and/or sewer services. LIHWAP is a benefit based on the actual amount of water and/or sewer arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per water or sewer provider, or $5,000 if water and sewer services are combined, per applicant household. Benefits are paid directly to the household's water and/or sewer providers. Eligibility rules and information on how to apply can be found at https://www.otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/. A checklist of what is needed to apply to the program can be found at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/Applicant-Checklist.pdf