Middletown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 296 § 296-31
Application for permit
Operative Text
A. Application for a rental permit for a dwelling unit subject to the provisions of this article shall be made in writing to the Department of Public Works on a form provided by the Department for the purpose. B. Application for a rental permit for a dwelling unit subject to the provisions of this article must be made: (1) If such a dwelling unit does not have a current, valid rental permit; or (2) If there is a vacancy in such a dwelling unit and a leasing is about to occur; or (3) If there is a change in occupancy as defined in this article. C. Such application shall be filed in duplicate and shall contain: (1) The name, address and telephone number, if any, of the owner of the single-family dwelling or owner-occupied two-family dwelling. (2) The street address and Tax Map description (section, block, lot or lots) of the single-family dwelling or owner-occupied two-family dwelling. (3) The number of rooms in each proposed rental unit, the dimensions of each room and a description of the present use or uses thereof, if any. (4) The number of persons intended to be accommodated by and to reside in each such rental unit. (5) The name, address and telephone number of the managing agent or operator of each single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling who is authorized to act on behalf of the owner, who is further authorized to provide immediate access to the entire building, who is designated to be responsible for maintaining this property in compliance with all state and City codes, and who is further designated to accept service of process in any proceeding related to this property. The Commissioner of Public Works shall be notified within 10 working days of any change in this information. Such managing agent or operator must be one of the following: (a) The owner of the property, provided the owner lives in the City of Middletown or within a ten-mile radius of the City; or (b) A responsible person over the age of 21 who lives in the City of Middletown or within a ten-mile radius of the City; or (c) A responsible person over the age of 21 who resides on site in the subject premises. (6) The name and address of the insurance company, if any, providing the fire and other hazard and public liability insurance for the owner of the single-family dwelling or owner-occupied two-family dwelling, with a description of the type of insurance provided, policy limits for each coverage and the policy number and expiration date of such policy. D. Such application shall be signed by the owner of the single-family dwelling or owner-occupied two-family dwelling, and the statements of such owners therein contained shall be verified under oath.
Section 296-31 of Middletown, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 296 establishes the process by which a rental permit must be obtained for certain dwelling units. A written application must be submitted to the Department of Public Works whenever a unit lacks a current permit, a new lease is about to begin, or a change in occupancy occurs. The application requires detailed information about the property, its owner, the number and dimensions of rooms, intended occupants, a locally accessible managing agent or operator, and any applicable insurance coverage, and must be signed and sworn under oath.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 296-31, operators of single-family or owner-occupied two-family dwellings in Middletown must submit a completed, duplicate application to the Department of Public Works before renting a unit that lacks a current permit, before executing a new lease, or whenever a qualifying change in occupancy takes place. Compliant operators designate a managing agent or operator who is over 21, lives within ten miles of the city or on-site, is authorized to provide immediate property access, and is designated to accept service of process — notifying the Commissioner of Public Works within 10 working days of any change to that information. The application is signed and verified under oath, and includes room dimensions, intended occupant counts, and current insurance policy details.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 296-31 requires that landlords of covered single-family and owner-occupied two-family dwellings in Middletown hold a valid rental permit before renting or re-renting a unit, meaning tenants can check whether their unit has a current permit on file with the Department of Public Works. The provision also requires landlords to designate a locally accessible managing agent who is responsible for code compliance and authorized to accept legal process, which can be relevant information when a tenant needs to identify a responsible party. Tenants who believe a landlord has not complied with the permit application requirements of § 296-31 may consider contacting the Middletown Department of Public Works or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand 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.
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