Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-18
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. Any person found guilty of violating or assisting in the violation of any provisions in §§ 265-16 and 265-17 of this chapter, or any person who shall have been served with a written order of the hearing officer and who shall fail to comply with the order, shall be guilty of a violation and liable for a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period of not more than 15 days, or both. B. Any person found guilty of violating or assisting in the violation of any provision in §§ 265-16 and 265-17 of this chapter or any person who shall have been served with a written order of the hearing officer and who shall fail to comply for the second or more time in a two-year period shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable for a fine of not less than $500 nor $2,000 or by imprisonment for a period of not more than six months, or both. C. Except as provided for in §§ 265-6 of this chapter and Subsections A and B above, whenever a person has been convicted three or more times for the violation of any provision of this chapter within five years, such person shall be punished by a fine of $1,000 and may additionally be punished by imprisonment not to exceed 15 days' incarceration, except as provided for by Subsection D . D. Upon motion of Corporation Counsel, and upon a finding by the Court that justice so requires, the Court may assess an appropriate fine in an amount less than $1,000 and/or may sentence a defendant to an appropriate conditional discharge in lieu of jail.
Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-18 establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations of the city's rental housing rules. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $1,000, up to 15 days in jail, or both, while a second offense within two years rises to misdemeanor level, carrying fines between $500 and $2,000 and up to six months in jail. A third or subsequent conviction within five years triggers a mandatory $1,000 fine and possible additional jail time, though a court may reduce penalties under certain circumstances upon motion of the Corporation Counsel.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Binghamton's rental code should be aware that § 265-18 imposes escalating consequences for each successive violation of §§ 265-16 and 265-17, including potential criminal misdemeanor charges on a second offense within two years. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough records of any hearing officer orders and act promptly to satisfy those orders, since failure to comply with a written order is itself a basis for penalty under this section. Repeat findings of non-compliance can result in mandatory fines and possible incarceration, making consistent adherence to the code a central part of responsible property management in Binghamton.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 265-18 of Binghamton's Code of Ordinances, tenants should know that landlords who violate the rental housing provisions in §§ 265-16 and 265-17—or who ignore written orders from a hearing officer—face meaningful criminal and financial consequences that escalate with each repeated offense. Tenants who believe a landlord has violated these provisions may consider documenting the conduct and reporting it to the appropriate city authority, which can initiate the hearing process that leads to enforceable orders. Tenant-rights organizations in the Binghamton area can help residents understand how the complaint and hearing process works under this chapter.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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