Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-75
Freedom from hazards
Operative Text
(a) Exterior property areas shall be free from conditions which might create a health, accident or fire hazard. (b) Exterior property areas shall be reasonably free from holes and excavations, sharp protrusions and other objects or conditions which might be a potential cause of personal injury. Walks, steps and driveways that contain holes or tripping hazards shall be filled, repaired or replaced as the need indicates. Open wells, cesspools or cisterns shall be securely closed. Trees or limbs of trees that constitute a hazard shall be removed.
Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-75 establishes that outdoor areas of residential properties must be kept free from conditions that could cause health, accident, fire, or personal-injury hazards. This includes filling or repairing holes and tripping hazards in walkways, steps, and driveways, securely closing open wells or cisterns, and removing dangerous trees or limbs. The rule sets a general standard of reasonable safety for all exterior spaces associated with a property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 12 § 12-75, compliant property operators routinely inspect exterior areas for hazards such as holes, sharp protrusions, deteriorated walkways, open wells, and overhanging or unstable tree limbs. When hazards are identified, operators arrange for timely repair, filling, closure, or removal as the condition warrants. Maintaining dated inspection and repair records can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the exterior safety standards this section requires.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-75 of the Poughkeepsie Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when exterior areas of their property contain unrepaired holes, tripping hazards, open wells, or dangerous trees that the landlord has not addressed. Tenants may report such conditions to the appropriate Poughkeepsie code enforcement or housing inspection office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local housing codes can help explain what documentation to gather and what complaint pathways are available.
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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