East Hampton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 199 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 199-1-5
Presumptive evidence of multifamily occupancy
Operative Text
A. It shall be presumed that a single- or one-family dwelling unit is occupied by more than one family if any two or more of the following features are found to exist on the premises: (1) More than one mailbox, mail slot or post office address. (2) More than one gas meter. (3) More than one electric meter annexed to the exterior of the premises. (4) More than one doorbell or doorway on the same side of the dwelling unit. (5) More than one connecting line for cable television service. (6) More than one antenna, satellite dish, or related receiving equipment. (7) There are more than four motor vehicles registered to the dwelling. (8) There are separate entrances for segregated parts of the dwelling. (9) There are partitions or internal doors which may serve to bar access between segregated portions of the dwelling, including but not limited to bedrooms. (10) There exists a separate written or oral lease or rental arrangement, payment or agreement for portions of the dwelling among the owner and/or occupants and/or persons in possession thereof. (11) Any occupant or person in possession thereof does not have unimpeded and/or lawful access to all parts of the dwelling unit. (12) Two or more kitchens, each containing one or more of the following: a range, oven, hotplate, microwave or other similar device customarily used for cooking or preparation of food and/or a refrigerator. (13) There are bedrooms that are separately locked. B. If any two or more of the features set forth in Subsection A(1) through (13) directly above are found to exist on the premises by the enforcement authority or Town personnel engaged in the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, a verified statement will be requested from the owner of the dwelling unit by the enforcement authority that the dwelling unit is in compliance with all of the provisions of the Code of the Town of East Hampton, the laws and sanitary and housing regulations of the County of Suffolk and the laws of the State of New York. If the owner fails to submit such verified statement, in writing, to the enforcement authority within 10 days of such request, such shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.
East Hampton Code ch. 199 § 199-1-5 establishes a legal presumption that a single-family dwelling is being used as a multifamily residence when two or more specified physical or administrative indicators are present on the property. These indicators include things like multiple meters, mailboxes, separate entrances, locked bedrooms, multiple kitchens, or separate rental arrangements. When enforcement personnel identify two or more such features, the property owner may be asked to submit a written verified statement confirming the dwelling complies with applicable local, county, and state codes — and failure to provide that statement within 10 days is itself treated as a violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of single-family dwellings in East Hampton should be aware that under ch. 199 § 199-1-5, the presence of as few as two qualifying features — such as multiple utility meters, separate entrances, or distinct rental arrangements — can trigger a legal presumption of unlawful multifamily occupancy. When enforcement personnel make such a finding, they will request a written verified statement of compliance from the property owner, and that statement must be submitted within 10 days. Compliant operators generally maintain records of their property's configuration and occupancy arrangements so that a verified statement can be prepared promptly if requested.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under East Hampton Code ch. 199 § 199-1-5, tenants living in a dwelling that has been flagged for presumptive multifamily occupancy may find that the property's compliance status is under review by Town enforcement personnel. If a property owner fails to respond to an enforcement request within the required 10-day window, that failure itself constitutes a violation of the chapter. Tenants who believe their housing situation involves code compliance concerns may wish to contact the Town of East Hampton's enforcement authority or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Suffolk County housing regulations.
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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