Seneca Falls, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 217 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 217-6
Responsibilities of owners and occupants
Operative Text
A. Owners of a premises shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter regardless of any agreement between owners and operators or occupants as to which party shall assume such responsibility. B. Whenever any person or persons shall have legal charge, care or control of any property in the Town as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, operator, agent, etc., such person shall be deemed to be the owner within the intent and meaning of this chapter and shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this chapter to the same extent as the record owner. C. Owners and operators shall be responsible for the maintenance of yards, lawns, and courts in a clean, sanitary, and safe condition and free from infestation. D. Disposal of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a clean and sanitary manner in accordance with the provisions of the Town.
Under Seneca Falls, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 217 § 217-6, property owners bear ultimate responsibility for complying with the chapter's requirements, even if a separate agreement with an operator or occupant assigns that duty to someone else. Anyone who exercises legal charge, care, or control over a property—such as an executor, trustee, agent, or guardian—is treated as an owner for purposes of this chapter and carries the same compliance obligations. Owners and operators must keep yards, lawns, and courts clean, sanitary, safe, and free from infestation, and garbage and refuse must be disposed of properly in accordance with Town provisions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 217-6, a property owner's compliance obligation cannot be contracted away to a tenant or third-party operator—the owner remains on the hook regardless of what any lease or management agreement says. Compliant operators generally ensure that exterior areas such as yards, lawns, and courts are regularly maintained in a clean, sanitary, and pest-free condition, and that adequate refuse facilities are provided and kept in proper order. Anyone acting in a legal-control capacity over a Seneca Falls property—such as a property manager or estate trustee—should be aware that § 217-6 treats them as an owner and holds them to the same standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 217-6 makes clear that the owner of a Seneca Falls property is ultimately responsible for the property's compliance with ch. 217, which can be relevant context if a tenant experiences conditions such as infested or unsanitary exterior areas that the owner has failed to address. Tenants who believe an owner is not meeting the maintenance standards described in § 217-6—such as failing to keep yards free from infestation or neglecting proper refuse facilities—may consider documenting the conditions and reaching out to the relevant Town enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Seneca Falls or New York State housing law can help residents understand what options may be available when an owner's obligations under § 217-6 are not being met.
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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