Port Chester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 197 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 197-22
Designation of unfit dwelling units
Operative Text
Any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit having any of the defects found in Subsections A, B, C and D may be designated by the Commissioner as unfit for human habitation and may be so placarded: A. The structure lacks illumination, ventilation, sanitation, heat or other facilities adequate to protect the health and safety of the occupants or the public. B. The structure is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, insanitary, 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 insanitary, unsafe, overcrowded or otherwise detrimental to health and safety that it creates a serious hazard to the occupants or the public. D. The structure, because of the failure of the owner or occupant to comply with this law, is unfit for human habitation.
Under Port Chester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 197 § 197-22, the Commissioner has authority to officially 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; dangerous overcrowding or unsafe site conditions; or an owner's or occupant's failure to comply with the housing code. The provision establishes a formal mechanism for removing hazardous housing from occupancy when conditions pose a serious threat to health and safety.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Port Chester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 197 § 197-22 generally maintain their buildings in a condition that meets minimum standards for illumination, ventilation, sanitation, heat, and structural integrity. Compliant operators routinely address deterioration, pest infestations, and overcrowding before conditions escalate to the point where the Commissioner could issue an unfit-for-habitation designation and placard the property. Keeping records of inspections, repairs, and code-compliance efforts is a common practice among operators who want to demonstrate ongoing adherence to the ordinance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 197-22 of the Port Chester Code gives tenants a basis to raise habitability concerns when a dwelling lacks adequate heat, sanitation, ventilation, or structural safety, or when vermin infestations or overcrowding create serious hazards. Tenants who believe their unit meets the criteria described in this provision may report conditions to the local code enforcement office, which can trigger an inspection and potentially a formal unfit-for-habitation designation by the Commissioner. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help occupants understand how this provision interacts with other protections, such as the right to withhold rent or pursue other remedies under New York law.
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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