Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-83
Responsibilities of occupants
Operative Text
Occupants of dwelling units shall be responsible for compliance with the housing standards in regard to the following: A. Limiting occupancy of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls to the maximum permitted by the housing standards. B. Maintenance of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls in a clean, sanitary and safe condition. C. Maintenance of all plumbing, cooking and refrigeration fixtures and appliances, as well as other building equipment and storage facilities in that part of the premises which he occupies or controls, in a clean and sanitary condition, and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof. D. Keeping exits from his dwelling unit clear and unencumbered. E. Disposal of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a clean and sanitary manner. F. Extermination of insects, rodents or other pests within his dwelling unit if his unit is the only one infested in the premises. G. Hanging and removing required screens.
Section 186-83 of Massena's Code of Ordinances places a set of housing-standards responsibilities directly on the people who live in dwelling units, rather than solely on property owners. Occupants are expected to keep their portion of the premises clean, safe, and sanitary; maintain plumbing, cooking, and refrigeration equipment properly; keep exits clear; dispose of garbage appropriately; handle pest extermination when only their unit is affected; and manage required window screens. The rule draws a clear line: compliance obligations follow whoever occupies or controls a given space.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 186-83, a compliant property owner or manager generally documents which responsibilities the code assigns to occupants versus those retained by the owner, and keeps records showing that units were delivered in a condition that allows tenants to meet their obligations. Operators typically ensure that garbage disposal facilities are provided and that the building's common areas and systems remain in good order, since occupant responsibility under this section is limited to the space each tenant occupies or controls. Maintaining clear lease language that mirrors the occupant duties listed in § 186-83 helps establish a shared understanding of each party's maintenance role.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 186-83 establishes that tenants in Massena bear direct responsibility for certain housing-standard conditions within the space they occupy, including cleanliness, safe exits, garbage disposal, pest control when only their unit is infested, and proper care of plumbing and appliances. Tenants who believe a landlord is improperly shifting responsibilities that belong to the owner—rather than those listed in § 186-83—may find it useful to review the full chapter of Massena's housing code or consult a tenant-rights organization for context. If a code enforcement complaint is filed against a tenant for conditions covered by this section, understanding which duties § 186-83 assigns to occupants versus owners can be relevant to how that matter is addressed.
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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