Brewster, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 148-47
Responsibilities of occupants
Operative Text
Occupants of dwelling units shall be responsible for compliance with the housing standards with regard to the following: A. Limiting occupancy of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls to the maximum permitted by the housing standards. B. Maintenance of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls in a clean, sanitary and safe condition. C. Maintenance of all plumbing, cooking and refrigeration fixtures and appliances, as well as other building equipment and storage facilities, in that part of the premises which he occupies or controls, in a clean and sanitary condition and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof. D. Keeping exits from his dwelling unit clear and unencumbered. E. Disposal of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a clean and sanitary manner. F. Extermination of insects, rodents or other pests within his dwelling unit if his unit is the only one infested in the premises. G. Hanging and removing required screens. H. Keeping his domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control.
Section 148-47 of Brewster, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148 places a set of housing-standard responsibilities directly on the people who live in dwelling units, rather than solely on property owners. These responsibilities cover how occupants manage the space they control, including keeping it clean and safe, maintaining plumbing and appliances properly, keeping exits clear, disposing of waste appropriately, handling pest infestations limited to their own unit, managing screens, and controlling pets. The rule draws a clear line: compliance obligations in these specific areas follow the occupant's control over the space, not just the landlord's ownership of the building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 148-47, a compliant property operator generally understands that certain day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness obligations shift to tenants for the portions of the premises they occupy and control. Operators typically document lease terms that align with these occupant responsibilities—such as proper refuse disposal, appliance care, and pet management—so that the allocation of duties is clear from the outset of tenancy. Knowing where the ordinance places responsibility on occupants can help operators distinguish between issues that are theirs to remedy and those that fall within the tenant's scope under Brewster's housing standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 148-47 of Brewster's housing code makes clear that tenants bear direct responsibility for specific conditions within the dwelling unit or area they control, including cleanliness, appliance care, exit clearance, garbage disposal, pest control when only their unit is affected, screens, and pet management. Understanding these obligations can help tenants recognize which maintenance concerns are theirs to address and which may remain the landlord's responsibility under other provisions of ch. 148. Tenants who have questions about how these responsibilities are divided, or who believe a landlord is improperly shifting duties that belong to the owner, may find it useful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review the full ordinance with a housing counselor.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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