Port Jefferson, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 161 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 161-32
Responsibilities of occupants
Operative Text
Occupants of dwelling units shall be responsible for compliance with this chapter in regard to the following: A. Limiting occupancy of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls to the maximum permitted by this code. B. Maintenance of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls in a clean, sanitary and safe condition. C. Maintenance of all plumbing, cooking and refrigeration fixtures and appliances, as well as other building equipment and storage facilities in that part of the premises which he occupies or controls, in a clean and sanitary condition and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof. D. Keeping exits from his dwelling unit clear and unencumbered. E. Disposal of garbage and refuse into provided storage facilities in the clean and sanitary manner, in accordance with the provisions of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson. F. Extermination of insects, rodents or other pests within his dwelling unit. G. Maintaining of yards, lawns and courts in a clean, sanitary and safe condition and free from infestation insofar as said occupant occupies or controls said yards, lawns and courts or any parts thereof. H. The installation and removal of required screens. I. Elimination of all prohibited uses for that part of the premises which he occupies, controls or has accessibility thereto.
Section 161-32 of Port Jefferson's Code of Ordinances places a range of upkeep and safety responsibilities directly on the people who live in dwelling units, rather than solely on property owners. Occupants are responsible for keeping their occupied spaces clean, safe, and within permitted occupancy limits, as well as managing pest control, garbage disposal, clear exits, and yard maintenance within areas they control. The provision also covers proper care of plumbing, cooking, and refrigeration equipment, the installation and removal of required screens, and the elimination of any prohibited uses in areas the occupant occupies or can access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 161-32, a compliant property operator generally documents which responsibilities have been allocated to occupants by ordinance and ensures that lease agreements reflect those obligations clearly. Operators typically maintain records showing that dwelling units were delivered in a condition that allows occupants to fulfill their duties — such as functional plumbing fixtures and adequate refuse storage facilities — before occupancy begins. Being familiar with the full scope of § 161-32 helps operators distinguish between maintenance items that remain the owner's responsibility and those that shift to the occupant under Port Jefferson's code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 161-32 establishes that occupants of Port Jefferson dwelling units carry direct legal responsibility for a defined set of conditions within the spaces they occupy or control, including cleanliness, pest extermination, exit clearance, and proper garbage disposal. Tenants who receive notices of violation related to these items may have grounds to respond based on whether the cited condition falls within their controlled area or stems from a landlord's failure to provide adequate facilities. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with New York housing code can help occupants understand how § 161-32 interacts with broader landlord obligations and what options exist if a violation is disputed.
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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