Brookhaven, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 82 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 82-1
Legislative intent
Operative Text
A. The intent of this chapter is to preserve the aesthetic integrity of our residential neighborhoods, prevent neighborhood blight, protect residential property values, encourage residential property maintenance and enhance the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods. B. This chapter is intended to apply to all dwelling units within the Town of Brookhaven. This chapter shall not apply to property located in the Great South Beach (Fire Island) which will be regulated by § 85-170.1 of the Code of the Town of Brookhaven. The Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven has determined that there exists in the Town of Brookhaven serious conditions arising from non-owner occupied rental of dwelling units in one, two and three family and multiple dwellings that are substandard or in violation of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, Building Rehabilitation Code, Electrical Code, Fire Prevention Code, Plumbing Code, and other codes and ordinances of the Town. Many of these dwellings are inadequate in size, overcrowded and dangerous, and such dwelling units pose hazards to life, limb and property of residents of the Town and others, tend to promote and encourage deterioration of the housing stock of the Town, create blight and excessive vehicle traffic and parking problems and to overburden municipal services. The Board finds that current Code provisions are inadequate to halt the proliferation of such conditions and that the public health, safety, welfare and good order and governance of the Town will be enhanced by enactment of the regulations set forth in this chapter, which regulations are remedial in nature and effect. The Board also finds that owner occupied dwellings can also fall into disrepair and not be adequately maintained, which has a detrimental effect on neighborhoods.
Section 82-1 of Brookhaven's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 82, establishes the legislative intent behind the town's residential property maintenance regulations. The chapter is designed to address conditions arising from substandard housing, overcrowding, blight, and code violations in both rental and owner-occupied dwellings across the Town of Brookhaven. It applies to all dwelling units in the town, with the exception of properties located in the Great South Beach (Fire Island), which are governed by a separate provision. The Town Board determined that existing code provisions were insufficient to address these conditions and enacted this chapter as a remedial measure to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 82-1 of Chapter 82, the Town of Brookhaven has made clear that this chapter applies broadly to all dwelling units in the town, including both rental and owner-occupied properties. Compliant property owners and managers generally keep their properties in good repair, free from overcrowding, and in conformance with applicable state and local codes such as the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Because the legislative intent explicitly identifies non-owner-occupied rentals as a primary concern, operators of rental properties in Brookhaven typically maintain active awareness of all applicable code requirements to avoid conditions the Town Board has identified as harmful to neighborhoods.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 82-1 of Chapter 82 reflects the Town of Brookhaven's formal finding that substandard rental conditions — including overcrowding, code violations, and inadequate maintenance — pose real hazards to residents. Tenants living in dwelling units covered by this chapter (all units in Brookhaven except those on Fire Island) may have recourse when their housing falls into the kinds of disrepair this chapter was enacted to address. Tenants who believe their unit is substandard or in violation of applicable codes may consider contacting the Town of Brookhaven directly, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting with a housing attorney to understand what options may be available under this chapter and related provisions.
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.
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