Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 332 § 332-7
Enforcement
Operative Text
The City of Kingston shall have a choice of enforcing this article by seeking civil penalties or by instituting a criminal proceeding or may choose to do both. A. Criminal proceeding. A summons or appearance ticket for any violation of this article may be served in the County of Ulster, New York as defined within the meaning of New York Criminal Procedure Law, § 150.40 . In the event that the owner does not reside in the County of Ulster, then the owner shall be obligated to designate a managing agent, who maintains a bona fide residence in the County of Ulster. B. A designating managing agent of an owner may be served with a notice of violation, order of remedy, order of violation, an appearance ticket or other service of process, whether criminal or civil, pursuant to and subject to the provisions of law as if actually served upon the owner. C. No owner who designates a managing agent pursuant to the provisions of this article may assert the defense of lack of notice or lack of in personam jurisdiction based solely upon the service of process upon his designated agent.
Section 332-7 of Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 332 establishes that the City of Kingston has the authority to enforce its rental regulations through civil penalties, criminal proceedings, or both simultaneously. When a property owner does not live in Ulster County, they are required to designate a managing agent who does maintain a residence there, and that agent can receive legal notices and process on the owner's behalf. An owner who has designated such an agent cannot later claim they were not properly notified or that the court lacks jurisdiction over them simply because service was made through that agent.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 332-7, property owners subject to Kingston's rental regulations who reside outside Ulster County are generally expected to designate a managing agent with a bona fide Ulster County residence to receive legal notices, summonses, and other process. Compliant operators typically keep this designation current and ensure their managing agent is reachable, since service on that agent carries the same legal weight as service on the owner directly. Because the City may pursue civil penalties, criminal proceedings, or both for violations, operators generally maintain records of their designated agent and ensure compliance with the underlying article to minimize exposure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 332-7 gives the City of Kingston meaningful enforcement tools that can benefit tenants when landlord violations occur, including the ability to pursue both civil and criminal remedies at the same time. If a landlord is based outside Ulster County, the requirement to designate a local managing agent means there is an identifiable local party who can be served with legal process, which can make enforcement more accessible. Tenants who believe a violation has occurred may consider contacting the City of Kingston directly to report the issue, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand what enforcement options may be available under ch. 332.
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.
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