Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 190 § 190-3
Purpose; interpretation
Operative Text
A. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, morals and welfare of the people of the City by: (1) Establishing minimum standards governing the condition, occupancy and maintenance of dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, rooming units and premises. (2) Establishing minimum standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to make dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, rooming units and premises safe, sanitary and fit for human habitation. (3) Fixing certain responsibilities and duties of owners, operators, agents and occupants of dwellings and dwelling units, rooming houses and rooming units. (4) Authorizing and establishing procedures for the inspection of dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses and rooming units and the condemnation and vacation of those dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses and rooming units unfit for human habitation. (5) Fixing penalties for the violations of the provisions of this chapter. B. This chapter is hereby declared to be remedial and essential to the public interest, and it is intended that this chapter be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes stated above.
Section 190-3 of Newburgh's Code of Ordinances Chapter 190 establishes the overarching purpose of the city's housing maintenance code: to protect public health, safety, morals, and welfare by setting minimum standards for the condition, occupancy, and upkeep of dwellings and rooming units. The provision assigns responsibilities to owners, operators, agents, and occupants, and authorizes inspection procedures as well as condemnation of units deemed unfit for human habitation. Because the chapter is declared remedial in nature, courts and administrators are directed to interpret it broadly in favor of achieving its protective goals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 190 § 190-3, property owners, operators, and agents are subject to a code that is explicitly designed to be interpreted liberally against violations. Compliant operators generally maintain their dwellings, rooming houses, and associated premises in accordance with the minimum standards the chapter establishes for physical conditions, utilities, and facilities. Awareness of the inspection and condemnation procedures authorized by § 190-3 is important, as penalties are expressly contemplated for violations of any provision within Chapter 190.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 190 § 190-3 signals that the housing code exists specifically to protect occupants' health, safety, and welfare, and that its provisions are meant to be read broadly in furtherance of that goal. Tenants living in dwellings or rooming units that may fall below the minimum habitability standards described in Chapter 190 can note that the code authorizes city inspections and, where conditions are severe, condemnation proceedings. Those who believe their unit may violate these standards may consider contacting the City of Newburgh's code enforcement office, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information 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.
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