Mount Vernon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 211 § 211-17
Operating without license
Operative Text
A. The operation of any premises as a rooming house without complying with this chapter is hereby declared to constitute a nuisance. B. Whenever the Commissioner finds or has reason to believe that any premises is being operated as a rooming house without a license, he may, without prior notice or hearing, order the premises or any part thereof to be vacated, as constituting a nuisance. A copy of such notice to vacate shall be served personally upon the owner, lessee, agent or any other person, firm or corporation directly or indirectly in control of the premises and upon each tenant or occupant. In the event that personal service upon any of the foregoing cannot be made after diligent effort, then such notice may be served by posting a copy thereof in a conspicuous place upon the premises and by sending a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such person at his last known address or place of residence. C. The Commissioner may, in his discretion, post suitable placards on the premises ordering the vacating of the building and may institute such further appropriate legal action as he deems necessary to compel the vacating of the premises.
Under Mount Vernon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 211 § 211-17, running a rooming house without the required license is legally classified as a nuisance. When the Commissioner finds or has reason to believe unlicensed operation is occurring, the law authorizes an immediate vacate order—without prior notice or hearing—directed at the property or any portion of it. The Commissioner may also post placards on the building and pursue further legal action to enforce the vacate order.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 211-17 of Mount Vernon's rooming house code makes clear that operating without a valid license exposes a property to an immediate vacate order, which the Commissioner can issue without any prior hearing. Compliant operators maintain a current rooming house license under ch. 211 before accepting any tenants, ensuring there is no gap in licensure that could trigger a nuisance declaration. Owners, lessees, and agents are all named as parties who may receive a vacate notice, so anyone in a management role has a direct stake in keeping licensing current.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 211-17 of Mount Vernon's ch. 211, tenants living in an unlicensed rooming house may receive a vacate order served personally or by posted notice and certified mail, requiring them to leave the premises. If you receive such a notice, tenant-rights organizations familiar with Mount Vernon housing law can help you understand what options may be available, including whether the landlord's failure to obtain a license affects any claims you might have. Knowing whether your rooming house holds a valid license under ch. 211 is a practical starting point for understanding your housing stability in this type of situation.
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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