Walden, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 215-1
Grounds for eviction; terminology
Operative Text
A. A special summary proceeding to evict a tenant from leased premises may be maintained upon the grounds that the premises, or any part thereof, have been used or occupied for the purpose of using or possessing drugs deemed by New York State Penal Law to be illegal by their nature, quantity, possession, or use (hereinafter "illegal drugs"). B. For the purposes of this article, the term "tenant," in addition to its ordinary meaning, shall include an occupant of one or more rooms in a rooming house or a resident, not including a transient occupant, of one or more rooms in a hotel who has been in possession for 30 consecutive days or longer.
Walden, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-1 establishes that a special summary eviction proceeding may be initiated when leased premises have been used or occupied for the purpose of using or possessing drugs that New York State Penal Law classifies as illegal. The provision also broadens the definition of 'tenant' beyond its ordinary meaning to include rooming-house occupants and long-term hotel residents who have been in continuous possession for at least 30 days. This means that even occupants who do not hold a traditional lease may be subject to these eviction proceedings if they meet the residency threshold.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Walden, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-1, property owners and managers who become aware that their premises are being used for illegal drug activity as defined by New York State Penal Law have a legal basis to pursue a special summary eviction proceeding. Compliant operators typically document evidence of such activity carefully before initiating any proceeding and ensure that all occupants who qualify as 'tenants' under the expanded definition—including rooming-house occupants and hotel residents of 30 or more consecutive days—are properly identified. Consulting with a qualified attorney familiar with New York eviction procedures is a common step before commencing such a proceeding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Walden, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 215 § 215-1 means that occupants of leased premises, rooming houses, or hotels (if residing there for 30 or more consecutive days) can face a special summary eviction proceeding if the premises are alleged to have been used for illegal drug activity under New York State Penal Law. Tenants facing such a proceeding generally have the right to respond and present a defense in the proceeding itself. Those who believe a proceeding has been improperly initiated may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the options available to them.
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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