Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-37
Recovery of expenses incurred in abating dangerous conditions
Operative Text
The expenses incurred by the Department in abating hazardous or dangerous conditions as provided above shall be paid to the Department by the owner. The Enforcement Officer shall file among his records an affidavit stating, with fairness and accuracy, the items of expense and the date of execution of actions authorized under this code. Upon failure of said owner to pay the cost of such repairs or improvements or demolition, the Enforcement Officer may institute a suit in the name of the municipality to recover such expenses against any persons liable for such expenses or may cause such expenses to be charged and assessed against the property as a lien. If such expenses are not paid within ten (10) days after demand, the amount [plus a penalty charge of eighteen percent (18%) annually] thereof shall be added to and become a part of the taxes next to be assessed and levied upon said premises and shall be collected and forced in the same manner as taxes.
Under Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-37, when the municipal Department steps in to abate a hazardous or dangerous condition on a property, the costs of that work fall on the property owner. If the owner does not reimburse the Department within ten days of demand, an 18% annual penalty charge is added to the outstanding amount. The total debt can then be converted into a lien against the property or folded into the property's tax assessment and collected the same way taxes are enforced.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-37 generally stay in compliance by promptly addressing any hazardous or dangerous conditions before the Department is compelled to act on their behalf. When the Department does perform abatement work, compliant owners pay the invoiced expenses upon demand, avoiding the 18% annual penalty charge and the risk of a lien or tax assessment being placed on the property. Keeping records of all correspondence with the Enforcement Officer and any payments made helps document timely compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-37 establishes a mechanism that can compel property owners to bear the full cost of correcting dangerous conditions, including an 18% annual penalty if they delay repayment to the municipality. Tenants who believe a hazardous condition exists on their property may report it to the local Enforcement Officer, which can trigger the Department's authority to act and recover costs from the owner. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help residents understand how this provision interacts with other housing protections available to them.
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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