Suffern, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 215-6
Enforcement
Operative Text
Without limitation on any available remedy, the Village of Suffern shall have a choice of enforcing this chapter by seeking civil penalties or by instituting a criminal proceeding or may choose to do both. A. Criminal proceeding. A summons or appearance ticket for any violation of this chapter may be served in the County of Rockland as defined within the meaning of New York Criminal Procedure Law § 150.40 . In the event that the owner does not reside in the County of Rockland, then the owner shall be obligated to designate a managing agent who maintains a bona fide residence. B. A designating managing agent of an owner may be served with a notice of violation, order of remedy, order of violation, an appearance ticket or other service of process, whether criminal or civil, pursuant to and subject to the provisions of law as if actually served upon the owner. C. No owner who designates a managing agent pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may assert the defense of lack of notice or lack of in personam jurisdiction based solely upon the service of process upon his designated agent.
Section 215-6 of Suffern's Code of Ordinances (ch. 215) gives the Village of Suffern broad enforcement authority over its rental housing chapter, allowing it to pursue civil penalties, criminal proceedings, or both simultaneously against violators. Owners who live outside Rockland County are required to designate a local managing agent who maintains a genuine residence there, and that agent may receive any legal notices or process on the owner's behalf. An owner who has designated such an agent cannot later claim they lacked notice or that the court lacks personal jurisdiction simply because service was made on the agent rather than directly on the owner.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 215-6 of Suffern's ch. 215, compliant property owners who reside outside Rockland County generally ensure they have a designated managing agent with a bona fide local residence on file, since that agent can legally receive summonses, violation notices, and other process. Operators typically keep this designation current and accurate, because service on a properly designated agent is treated as service on the owner for all purposes—civil and criminal alike. Staying current with this requirement helps avoid situations where enforcement actions proceed without the owner's practical awareness.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 215-6 of Suffern's ch. 215 signals that the Village has meaningful tools to act on housing violations, including both civil and criminal enforcement paths that can be pursued at the same time. Tenants who believe a landlord is violating the chapter may contact the Village of Suffern directly to inquire about filing a complaint or triggering an enforcement review. Local tenant-rights organizations in Rockland County can also help residents understand what documentation to gather and what options may be available under this provision.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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