Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 258 § 258-1
Findings of fact; statement of purpose
Operative Text
A. The City of Ithaca has a significant tenant population. B. Equitable landlord-tenant relations are a matter of public welfare. C. Prompt, reasonable return of security deposits is an important factor in tenants being able to obtain subsequent housing. D. The issue of return of security deposits is a source of potential conflict between landlords and tenants which may result in a burdensome effect on the court system.
Section 258-1 of Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 258 establishes the legislative rationale behind the city's security deposit rules. The City of Ithaca formally recognizes that timely and fair return of security deposits is a matter of public welfare, affecting tenants' ability to secure future housing and reducing unnecessary strain on the court system. This section does not impose specific obligations on its own but sets the policy foundation for the requirements that follow in Chapter 258.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Chapter 258, § 258-1 signals that Ithaca's city government treats security deposit practices as a public-welfare issue, not merely a private contractual matter. Operators who understand this legislative intent generally approach deposit handling with transparency and timeliness, recognizing that disputes can escalate into court proceedings that the ordinance was designed to prevent. Familiarity with the purpose stated in § 258-1 can help property managers contextualize the more specific requirements found elsewhere in Chapter 258.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 258-1 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 258, reflects the city's formal recognition that prompt return of security deposits directly affects a tenant's ability to move into new housing. Because the provision frames deposit disputes as a public-welfare concern, tenants who encounter problems with deposit returns may find that the broader Chapter 258 framework provides relevant protections and potential remedies. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Ithaca's local ordinances can help explain how this stated purpose connects to enforceable rights under the rest of Chapter 258.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.