Endicott, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 160 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 160-33
Responsibility for clean and sanitary conditions
Operative Text
A. Duty of occupant. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall keep in a clean and sanitary condition that part of the dwelling, dwelling unit and premises thereof which he occupies and controls. B. Liability of occupant. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be liable if a violation is caused by his own willful act, assistance or negligence or that of any member of his family or household or his guests.
Section 160-33 of Endicott's housing code establishes that the person living in a dwelling or dwelling unit bears responsibility for keeping the areas they occupy and control clean and sanitary. It also holds occupants legally liable for violations that result from their own intentional acts, carelessness, or negligence, as well as from the actions of family members, other household members, or guests. The rule places the burden of maintaining sanitary conditions squarely on whoever is actually living in and controlling the space.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 160-33, a compliant property owner or manager generally documents the condition of units at move-in and move-out to establish a clear baseline for which party controls a given area. Operators typically maintain records distinguishing between conditions caused by occupants versus pre-existing structural or systemic issues, since the ordinance assigns sanitary responsibility to the occupant for areas they control. Keeping thorough inspection records helps operators demonstrate that any violations arising in occupied spaces were not attributable to the landlord's own conduct.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 160-33 makes clear that tenants have an affirmative duty to keep the portions of their dwelling that they occupy and control in a clean and sanitary state. Importantly, the provision extends liability to violations caused by household members and guests, not just the tenant personally, so residents generally benefit from understanding the scope of that responsibility. Tenants who believe a sanitary condition issue stems from a landlord-controlled area rather than their own space may wish to document the condition carefully and consult a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on how to raise that distinction.
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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