Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-167
Maintenance of plumbing equipment by occupant
Operative Text
Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be responsible for the exercise of proper care and cleanliness in the use and operation of all plumbing fixtures, sanitary facilities and related appliances and equipment.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-167, every person who occupies a dwelling or dwelling unit bears responsibility for keeping plumbing fixtures, sanitary facilities, and related appliances clean and in proper working order through careful use. The rule places the duty of day-to-day care and cleanliness squarely on the occupant rather than solely on the property owner. It does not address who pays for repairs caused by normal wear, but it does establish a baseline standard of conduct for how plumbing equipment must be used and maintained by those living in the space.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 12-167, the occupant—not only the landlord—carries a defined responsibility for the proper care and cleanliness of plumbing fixtures and sanitary facilities. Operators who document the condition of plumbing equipment at move-in and move-out generally have a clearer record if a dispute arises over whether damage resulted from occupant misuse or pre-existing conditions. Lease provisions that reference the occupant's duties under ch. 12 § 12-167 can help set clear expectations from the start of a tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-167 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances establishes that occupants are responsible for exercising proper care and cleanliness in the use of plumbing fixtures, sanitary facilities, and related equipment—meaning tenants have an active duty, not just a passive one, regarding these systems. This provision is separate from a landlord's obligation to provide habitable and functioning plumbing, and both duties can coexist. Tenants who believe a plumbing issue stems from a landlord's failure to maintain—rather than from occupant misuse—may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review other provisions of ch. 12 to understand how responsibilities are allocated.
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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