Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 158-78
Secural of vacated structures or premises
Operative Text
The owner, agent or operator of any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit or premises which has been designated as unfit for human habitation and vacated shall make such dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit safe and secure in whatever manner the Building Inspector shall deem necessary. Any vacant building, open at the doors and windows, if unguarded, shall be deemed a direct hazard or immediate danger to the health and safety of the general public.
Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-78 establishes that when a dwelling or rooming unit has been officially designated unfit for human habitation and vacated, the responsible party must secure it in whatever way the Building Inspector considers necessary. The provision also treats any vacant building left open and unguarded at its doors and windows as a direct hazard to public health and safety. This classification carries regulatory weight, as it signals that an unsecured vacant structure is not merely a code technicality but an active danger to the surrounding community.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-78, property owners, agents, and operators of dwellings or rooming units that have been vacated and designated unfit for human habitation are generally expected to coordinate with the Building Inspector to determine what securing measures are required. Compliant operators typically board, lock, or otherwise close off all door and window openings so that the structure cannot be entered without authorization. Keeping documentation of communications with the Building Inspector and records of any work performed to secure the property is a common practice among operators managing vacated structures.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Evans, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 158 § 158-78 is relevant to tenants who have been displaced from a dwelling or rooming unit that was declared unfit for human habitation, as it places the obligation to secure that property on the owner, agent, or operator. If a vacated structure in your area appears to remain open and unguarded, that condition is explicitly characterized by this provision as a direct hazard to public health and safety, which may be reportable to the local Building Inspector's office. Tenants or community members concerned about an unsecured vacant property may also consult a tenant-rights organization to understand what local enforcement options or remedies may be available.
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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