Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-17
Rooming houses
Operative Text
A. No person shall operate a rooming house or shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any rooming unit in any rooming house unless it is in compliance with the provisions of this and every section of this chapter except for those § 265-12B , C and D that refer to water facilities and plumbing. B. Whenever upon inspection of any rooming unit or house the Code Enforcement Bureau finds that conditions or practices exist which it believes are in violation of any provision of this chapter or any other law or ordinance which is applicable, the Code Enforcement Bureau shall give notice of the violation according to the provisions outlined in § 265-4 of this chapter. C. Every rooming house shall have supplied water heating fixtures which are properly installed to both hot and cold water lines and which are capable of heating water to at least 120° F. to permit an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required fixture in the rooming house. D. There shall be a minimum of one flush water closet, lavatory basin, and a shower supplied for each six persons or fraction residing within the rooming house, including the owner's family when they share the facilities. In rooming houses where rooms are let only to males, a maximum of 50% of the required water closets may be flush urinals. All facilities shall be accessible from common halls or passages, and facilities may not be located in the basement or cellar. E. All bathroom facilities shall be cleaned and disinfected at least twice per week, and all shared kitchen facilities shall be cleaned and disinfected at least once per week. F. The operator of every rooming house shall change supplied bed linen and towels at least once per week and prior to letting of any room to any occupant. The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance of all supplied bedding in a clean and sanitary manner. G. The operator of every rooming house shall be responsible for the sanitary maintenance of all walls, floors and ceilings as well as the sanitary maintenance of every other part of the entire premises in conformity with the minimum requirements of this chapter. H. Every provision of this chapter which applies to rooming houses shall apply to hotels except to the extent that any provision that conflicts with the laws of this state or with the lawful regulations of any state board or agency.
Section 265-17 of Binghamton's Code of Ordinances establishes comprehensive operating standards for rooming houses, covering everything from water heating and sanitation to linen changes and shared bathroom ratios. Under this provision, no rooming house may legally operate—and no rooming unit may be occupied or rented—unless the property meets the chapter's requirements, with limited exceptions for certain water and plumbing provisions in § 265-12B, C, and D. The Code Enforcement Bureau is authorized to inspect rooming houses and issue violation notices under § 265-4 when conditions fall short of these standards. Hotels are also subject to these rules to the extent they do not conflict with state law or state agency regulations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rooming houses in Binghamton must ensure their properties comply with § 265-17's detailed maintenance and habitability standards before allowing any unit to be occupied or re-let. Compliant operators generally maintain water heating capable of reaching at least 120°F, provide at least one flush toilet, lavatory, and shower for every six residents, keep bathroom facilities cleaned and disinfected at least twice weekly, and ensure shared kitchen areas are cleaned and disinfected at least once per week. Bed linens and towels are typically changed at least once per week and before any new occupant moves in, and operators remain responsible for the overall sanitary condition of walls, floors, ceilings, and all common areas throughout the premises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Binghamton rooming houses are protected by the habitability and sanitation standards set out in § 265-17, which require operators to maintain adequate hot water, sufficient shared bathroom facilities, and regular cleaning of common areas and linens. If conditions in a rooming house appear to fall below these standards, the Code Enforcement Bureau has authority to inspect the property and issue violation notices pursuant to § 265-4. Tenants who believe their rooming house is not meeting these requirements may consider documenting the conditions, contacting the Binghamton Code Enforcement Bureau to request an inspection, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand 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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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