Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 § 177-1
Legislative findings and intent
Operative Text
The Lackawanna City Council hereby finds and declares that the rental of dwelling units constitutes a business which impacts upon the public health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the City of Lackawanna. The intent of this chapter is to regulate the offering for rental of dwelling units to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the City of Lackawanna and to further achieve the following beneficial purposes: A. The protection of the character and stability of residential area; B. The correction and prevention of housing conditions that adversely affect or are likely to adversely affect the life, safety, general welfare, and health, including the physical, mental, and social well-being of persons occupying the dwelling; C. The enforcement of minimum standards for heating, plumbing, and other sanitary equipment necessary for health and safety; D. The enforcement of minimum standards for light and ventilation necessary for health and safety; E. The enforcement of minimum standards for the maintenance of existing residential buildings and the prevention of slum and blight conditions; F. The preservation of the value of land and buildings throughout the City of Lackawanna.
Section 177-1 of Lackawanna's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational purpose behind the city's rental dwelling regulations. The Lackawanna City Council formally recognized that renting out housing units is a business activity with direct consequences for public health, safety, and general welfare. This provision sets the stage for the rest of Chapter 177 by identifying the goals the regulatory framework is designed to achieve, including maintaining housing standards, preventing blight, and preserving property values citywide.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 177-1, the Lackawanna City Council has declared rental housing a regulated business activity, meaning operators of rental dwelling units are subject to the standards and requirements that follow throughout Chapter 177. Compliant rental operators generally maintain their properties in accordance with minimum standards for heating, plumbing, sanitation, light, and ventilation as contemplated by this chapter's stated purposes. Understanding the legislative intent behind § 177-1 helps property owners appreciate why inspections, maintenance obligations, and other requirements exist under Lackawanna's rental housing framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 177-1 reflects the Lackawanna City Council's recognition that tenants' physical, mental, and social well-being are directly tied to the condition of their rental housing. This provision establishes that Chapter 177 exists specifically to protect occupants by enforcing minimum habitability and maintenance standards. Tenants who believe their dwelling falls short of the standards contemplated by § 177-1 and the rest of Chapter 177 may consider contacting the City of Lackawanna's code enforcement office or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available options.
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
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation