Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-155
Light in nonhabitable work space
Operative Text
Every laundry, furnace room and all similar nonhabitable work space located in a structure used for human habitation shall have adequate natural or artificial lighting available at all times.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-155, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, and comparable nonhabitable work areas within residential buildings must have adequate lighting—whether natural or artificial—available at all times. This rule applies regardless of whether the space is used for sleeping or living; it covers utility and service areas that support the habitable portions of a structure. The standard is continuous availability, meaning the lighting must be accessible whenever someone may need to use the space.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating residential buildings in Poughkeepsie should ensure that every laundry room, furnace room, and similar utility space meets the lighting standard set out in ch. 12 § 12-155. Compliant operators typically install reliable artificial lighting fixtures in these areas, maintain bulbs and wiring in working order, and confirm that lighting remains accessible around the clock. Routine property inspections that include nonhabitable work spaces help operators identify and correct lighting deficiencies before they become code violations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-155 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances gives residents a basis to expect that shared or building utility spaces—such as laundry and furnace rooms—are adequately lit at all times. If a tenant finds that such a space lacks proper lighting, they may document the condition and report it to the appropriate local code enforcement or housing inspection authority in Poughkeepsie. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options are generally available when a landlord does not address a reported lighting deficiency.
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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