Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-60
Designation, placarding
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 head of the Code Enforcement Agency 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, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested in such 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 condition, state of the premises or number of occupants, is so unsanitary, 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 notices or orders issued pursuant to this Chapter, is unfit for human habitation.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-60, the head of the Code Enforcement Agency has authority to officially designate a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, or rooming unit as unfit for human habitation and to post a placard on the property reflecting that status. 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 premises; or an owner's or occupant's failure to comply with prior notices or orders issued under Chapter 12. The provision establishes a formal mechanism through which housing that poses serious health or safety hazards can be officially flagged and removed from habitable use.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-60 generally maintain their properties in a condition that avoids the four categories of defects that can trigger an 'unfit for human habitation' designation — adequate illumination, ventilation, sanitation, heat, structural soundness, pest control, and appropriate occupancy levels are all relevant factors. Compliant operators also respond promptly to any notices or orders issued under Chapter 12, since failure to comply with such orders is itself an independent basis for a designation under § 12-60(d). Keeping records of maintenance, repairs, and correspondence with the Code Enforcement Agency can help demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-60, tenants living in a dwelling with serious deficiencies — such as lack of heat, vermin infestation, structural decay, or dangerous overcrowding — may have grounds to request an inspection by the Code Enforcement Agency, which holds the authority to designate and placard a unit as unfit for human habitation. A formal designation under § 12-60 can be relevant in housing court proceedings or other legal contexts, and tenants may wish to document conditions with photographs, written communications, and records of any complaints already filed. Local tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help tenants understand what options may be available when conditions in a unit appear to meet the thresholds described in this provision.
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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