Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 44 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 44-15
Tenant accountability
Operative Text
A. The terms and conditions of this section shall also apply to holders of short term rental dwelling unit certificates. With respect to the dwelling unit which the tenant occupies, controls or uses, the tenant shall be responsible for the following: (1) Occupancy limitations and the lawful use of a dwelling unit. (2) Maintenance of the dwelling unit in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. (3) Maintenance of plumbing, cooking and refrigeration equipment, appliances, fixtures and facilities contained in the dwelling unit in a clean and sanitary condition and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof. (4) Keeping exits in the dwelling unit free and clear. (5) Disposing of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a sanitary manner and keeping the dwelling unit free and clear from garbage, refuse and debris. (6) Keeping domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control. B. To the extent that the owner can provide the Commissioner with competent evidence that tenants have not complied with the above standards or that the tenants have contributed to the existence of housing code violations at the property, the Commissioner may deem such circumstances to be sufficient cause to extend time for the correction of the violations pursuant to § 44-14 of this Chapter.
Section 44-15 of Amherst's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 44, establishes a set of responsibilities that fall on tenants—rather than solely on property owners—for the condition and use of their dwelling units. These responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, keeping exits clear, properly disposing of garbage, controlling pets, and using the unit lawfully within occupancy limits. The section also applies to holders of short-term rental certificates, and it creates a mechanism by which an owner may present evidence of tenant non-compliance to the Commissioner to potentially extend the deadline for correcting housing code violations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 44-15, compliant property operators in Amherst generally document the condition of dwelling units and keep records of any tenant conduct that may contribute to housing code violations. When violations arise, owners who can present competent evidence to the Commissioner that tenants caused or contributed to those violations may be eligible for an extension of the correction timeline under § 44-14. Maintaining thorough inspection records, written communications with tenants, and photographic documentation supports an owner's ability to make that showing to the Commissioner.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 44-15 makes clear that tenants in Amherst bear direct responsibility for the cleanliness, safety, and lawful use of their own dwelling units, including keeping exits clear, managing garbage properly, and controlling pets. Tenants should be aware that an owner may use evidence of a tenant's non-compliance to seek a deadline extension from the Commissioner for correcting housing code violations at the property. Tenants who believe their rights are being affected by how § 44-15 is being applied can consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the range of options available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation