Tuckahoe, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 12-140
Designation
Operative Text
Any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit, having any of the defects found in Subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) may be designated by the Commissioner as unfit for human habitation and may be so placarded: (1) The structure lacks illumination, ventilation, sanitation, heat or other facilities adequate to protect the health and safety of the occupants or the public. (2) The structure is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, insanitary, unsafe or vermin-infested in such a manner as to create a serious hazard to the health and safety of the occupants or the public. (3) The structure, because of the location, general condition, state of the premises or number of occupants, is so insanitary, unsafe, overcrowded or otherwise detrimental to the health and safety that it creates a serious hazard to the occupants or the public. (4) The structure, because of the failure of the owner or occupant to comply with this chapter, is unfit for human habitation.
Under Tuckahoe, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-140, the Commissioner has authority to formally designate a residential dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, or rooming unit as unfit for human habitation and to post a placard on the property. This designation can be triggered by a range of conditions, including inadequate lighting, ventilation, heat, or sanitation; physical deterioration or vermin infestation; overcrowding or unsafe site conditions; or an owner's or occupant's failure to comply with the broader chapter. The provision establishes four distinct grounds under which such a designation may be made, any one of which is sufficient on its own.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Tuckahoe, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-140 generally maintain their properties in a condition that avoids the four triggering defects outlined in the provision — ensuring adequate illumination, ventilation, heat, and sanitation; keeping structures free from decay, dilapidation, and vermin; preventing overcrowding; and remaining in compliance with the full requirements of Chapter 12. A formal 'unfit for human habitation' designation and placard can result from any one of these defect categories, including simply failing to comply with other parts of the chapter. Operators typically conduct regular inspections and address maintenance issues promptly to avoid reaching the threshold that invites Commissioner review.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 12-140 of Tuckahoe's Code of Ordinances, tenants living in dwellings with serious deficiencies — such as lack of heat, vermin infestation, structural decay, or overcrowding — may have grounds to bring those conditions to the attention of the Commissioner, who holds authority to designate the property as unfit for human habitation. A formal placard placed on a property under this provision is a significant official finding that can support other remedies available under Chapter 12. Tenants who believe their unit meets one of the four listed defect categories may consider documenting conditions, contacting local housing or code enforcement offices, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
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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