Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-18
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. Violations of Article II : (1) A violation of Article II of this chapter will constitute an offense within the meaning of the Penal Law of the State of New York, punishable as provided for herein. In addition, a violation of any provision of this article shall constitute a municipal infraction and will be subject to applicable penalties under this article, and the City of Schenectady may choose to enforce this article as a criminal or civil matter, or both. Any owner who violates, disobeys, neglects or refuses to comply with any of the terms of this article shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500. Each week a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. B. Violations of Article III : (1) A violation of Article III of this chapter shall be an offense and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $150 and not exceeding $250, or by a civil penalty of not less than $250. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day on which a violation occurs or continues. (2) A second, independent violation of Article III shall be a Class A misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $500 and not exceeding $1,000 and a period of incarceration of not less than 15 days nor exceeding one year. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day on which a violation occurs or continues.
Section 210-18 of Schenectady's Code of Ordinances Chapter 210 establishes a tiered penalty structure for two categories of housing violations. Violations of Article II carry fines between $100 and $500, with each week of continued non-compliance counted as a separate offense, and the City may pursue enforcement through criminal or civil channels, or both. Violations of Article III start at fines of $150–$250 (or a civil penalty of at least $250) with each day treated as a separate offense, and a second independent Article III violation escalates to a Class A misdemeanor carrying fines of $500–$1,000 and potential incarceration of 15 days to one year.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Schenectady should be aware that § 210-18 creates compounding financial exposure: Article II violations accrue as separate offenses weekly, while Article III violations accrue daily, meaning unresolved issues can multiply penalties rapidly. Compliant operators generally address any noticed deficiency promptly, document corrective actions, and maintain records demonstrating ongoing compliance with both Article II and Article III requirements. Because the City retains discretion to pursue violations as criminal matters, civil matters, or both, operators typically treat any notice of violation as requiring immediate attention.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 210-18, tenants living in Schenectady have the benefit of a penalty framework designed to incentivize landlord compliance, since fines escalate on a weekly basis for Article II violations and on a daily basis for Article III violations. If a landlord is failing to meet obligations under Chapter 210, tenants can report conditions to the City of Schenectady's code enforcement office, which has authority to pursue violations criminally, civilly, or both. Tenant-rights organizations in the Schenectady area can help residents understand which article applies to their situation and what complaint or reporting options are generally 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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