Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 121 § 121-81
Notice of intent to demolish
Operative Text
Whenever the chief officer designates a building unfit for human habitation, as provided in this code, and determines that the cost necessary to correct the violation is not reasonably related to the value of the building, he shall include within the notice of violation provided for in § 121-69 a statement of his intent to order the demolition of the structure. A copy of such notice shall be served on the owner, occupant, lessee and mortgagee, recorded prior to service of any notice of violation in § 121-70 . The owner may demolish such structure or correct the violation regardless of cost, provided that the requirements of the building code in effect at the time of attempted compliance are satisfied.
Under Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 121 § 121-81, when the chief officer finds a building unfit for human habitation and concludes that the cost to fix the violations is disproportionate to the building's value, the officer must include a demolition-intent statement within the standard notice of violation. That notice must be served on all relevant parties — the owner, occupant, lessee, and any mortgagee recorded before the notice was issued. The owner retains the option to either demolish the structure or bring it into compliance, so long as current building code requirements are met.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to § 121-81 of the Rensselaer Code should be aware that a notice of violation may carry an embedded statement of intent to order demolition when the chief officer determines repair costs are unreasonably high relative to the building's value. Compliant operators generally monitor all notices carefully, ensure that mortgagees and other recorded parties are properly served, and evaluate whether rehabilitation to current building-code standards is a viable path before a demolition order is finalized. Keeping thorough records of any remediation efforts and communications with the chief officer's office is a practice commonly associated with orderly compliance under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 121-81 of the Rensselaer Code, occupants of a building designated unfit for human habitation are entitled to receive a copy of any notice that includes a demolition-intent statement, giving them formal awareness of the proceeding. Tenants who receive such a notice have an interest in understanding their rights regarding relocation, continued occupancy, and any protections that may apply under other provisions of the code. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Rensselaer housing law can help occupants understand what options may be available when a demolition-intent notice is issued.
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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