West Haverstraw, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-12
Collection of rent
Operative Text
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, or otherwise, no owner, landlord or other person exercising dominion and control over property determined to be occupied in violation of this article may recover any rent or other sum for the use and occupancy of such property in the Village, unless the landlord shall establish: (1) That the use of the premises were permitted to be used, during the period for which rent or use and occupancy is sought to be recovered, for the use being made of the premises; (2) That the landlord delivered to the tenant a written receipt in exchange for any rent payment received by the landlord in cash, as evidenced by a copy thereof maintained by the landlord bearing the signature of the tenant. B. The issuance of a rental permit from the Village shall constitute prima facie evidence in any proceeding to collect rent or charges for use and occupancy that the premises are legal for rent or occupancy to the extent reflected in such permit.
West Haverstraw Code § 186-12 establishes conditions under which rent can legally be collected for residential property in the Village. An owner or landlord whose property is found to be occupied in violation of the applicable article cannot recover rent or use-and-occupancy charges unless they can show both that the premises were lawfully permitted for the use in question during the relevant period and that written receipts were provided for any cash payments. A valid Village rental permit serves as prima facie evidence that the property is legal for rent or occupancy to the degree the permit reflects.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 186-12, compliant operators in West Haverstraw generally maintain a current Village rental permit, ensure the property is authorized for the specific use tenants are making of it, and issue signed written receipts for every cash rent payment received—retaining copies bearing the tenant's signature. Without satisfying both conditions, a landlord may be barred from recovering rent or use-and-occupancy charges in any collection proceeding. Keeping the rental permit current and documentation organized is a standard practice for operators seeking to preserve their ability to collect rent under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 186-12 of the West Haverstraw Code of Ordinances gives tenants a potential defense in rent-collection proceedings if the landlord cannot demonstrate that the premises were lawfully permitted for the relevant use and that proper written receipts were issued for cash payments. If a property has been found to be occupied in violation of the article, tenants may be able to raise the landlord's failure to meet these requirements as a defense against a rent-recovery claim. Tenants who believe these conditions apply to their situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with West Haverstraw Village ordinances for general information about their 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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