Hempstead Village, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 52 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 52-1
Illegal occupancy prohibited
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for any building or property within the Village to be used or occupied in violation of the use set forth in the certificate of occupancy for such building or property.
Section 52-1 of Hempstead Village's Code of Ordinances establishes that every building or property within the Village must be used and occupied only in the manner authorized by its certificate of occupancy. Any use or occupancy that departs from what the certificate of occupancy specifies is considered illegal under this provision. The rule applies to all buildings and properties in the Village, regardless of ownership type or use category.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 52-1, compliant property operators in Hempstead Village ensure that the actual use of each building or unit matches the use designation recorded on the certificate of occupancy. Before changing how a property is used — such as converting a single-family home into a multi-unit rental or operating a business in a residentially zoned space — operators typically verify that the certificate of occupancy reflects the intended use. Keeping the certificate of occupancy current and accessible is a standard practice for demonstrating compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 52-1 gives tenants a basis to question whether the space they are renting is being used in accordance with its certificate of occupancy. If a tenant believes their unit or building is being occupied in a way that conflicts with the certificate of occupancy, they may consider contacting Hempstead Village's building or code enforcement department to inquire about the property's authorized use. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Nassau County housing regulations can also help explain what options may be available when an illegal occupancy situation is suspected.
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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