Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 265-12
Responsibilities of occupants
Operative Text
An occupant of the premises shall be responsible for compliance with this chapter in regard to the following: A. Maintenance of that part of the premises which is occupied or controlled in a clean, sanitary and safe condition. B. Keeping exits from the building or apartment clear and unencumbered from their possessions. C. Daily disposal of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a clean and sanitary manner. D. Providing for safe and sanitary deposition and storage of newspapers, glass, plastic products, yard clippings, and any other item required to be recycled in accordance with other Town laws, ordinances, codes or rules. E. Keeping domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control.
Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-12 places a set of affirmative maintenance and safety duties directly on the people who occupy a dwelling, rather than solely on the property owner. Occupants are responsible for keeping their portion of the premises clean and safe, keeping exits clear, disposing of garbage daily, handling recyclables properly, and managing pets appropriately. These obligations exist alongside—and do not replace—any duties the landlord may have under the same chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-12, compliant property operators typically document occupant responsibilities in lease agreements so that tenants are on clear notice of their obligations from the start of tenancy. Operators generally conduct periodic inspections to confirm that exits remain unobstructed, refuse facilities are being used properly, and common areas are not compromised by tenant-controlled spaces. Retaining records of any notices issued to occupants regarding these duties can be important if a code-enforcement matter arises under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rotterdam, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-12 means that tenants bear direct responsibility for the cleanliness and safety of the areas they occupy or control, including keeping exits clear, disposing of garbage daily, recycling properly, and controlling pets. A tenant who fails to meet these standards may face code-enforcement action independent of any landlord obligation. Tenants who have questions about how these duties interact with their lease terms or with the landlord's own obligations under ch. 265 may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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