Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 90-23
Designation of unfit dwelling units
Operative Text
Any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit having any of the defects found herein may be designated by the Code Enforcement Officer as unfit for human habitation and may be placarded as such if: A. The structure lacks illumination, ventilation, sanitation, heat, water or other facilities adequate to protect the health and safety of the occupant or the public. B. The structure is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested in such a manner as to create a serious hazard to the health and safety of the occupants or the public. C. The structure, because of the location, general conditions, state of the premises or number of occupants, is so unsanitary, unsafe, overcrowded or otherwise detrimental to health safety that it creates a serious hazard to the occupants or the public.
Under Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-23, a Code Enforcement Officer has the authority to formally designate a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, or rooming unit as unfit for human habitation and post a placard on the property. This designation can be triggered by a range of conditions, including inadequate lighting, ventilation, heat, or sanitation; physical deterioration or vermin infestation; or overcrowding and general conditions that pose a serious hazard to occupants or the public. The provision establishes three broad categories of defects that can each independently support such a designation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-23 generally maintain their units in a condition that avoids the three categories of defects outlined in the provision — ensuring adequate illumination, ventilation, heat, water, and sanitation; keeping structures free from decay, dilapidation, and vermin; and preventing overcrowding or unsafe general conditions. A compliant operator routinely inspects properties and addresses deterioration before it rises to the level of a serious hazard. Receiving a placard designation under § 90-23 can have significant consequences for continued occupancy and rental operations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-23, tenants living in dwellings with serious defects — such as lack of heat or water, vermin infestation, structural decay, or dangerous overcrowding — may have grounds to request an inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer, who holds the authority to designate and placard a unit as unfit for human habitation. A formal designation under this provision can serve as documentation of housing conditions in related proceedings. Tenants who believe their unit may meet the criteria in § 90-23 can contact local housing authorities, Newark code enforcement offices, or a 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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