Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-19
Mandatory minimum penalties for specific offenses
Operative Text
A. Notwithstanding the availability of any other remedies or the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, the penalties set forth in Subsection B hereinbelow shall be imposed for any conviction of any of the following offenses: (1) Section 265-7A . (2) Section 265-8A . (3) Section 265-8B . (4) Section 265-13H(1)(f) . (5) Section 265-13H(1)(g) . (6) Section 265-13I(1) . (7) Section 265-13I(2) . (8) Section 265-13I(3) . (9) Section 265-13I(5) . (10) Section 265-15D . B. Upon conviction of any of the above-enumerated offenses, the following penalties shall be imposed: (1) For a first conviction: a fine of not less than $25. (2) For a second conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $50. (3) For a third conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $150 and/or a minimum of five days in jail. (4) For a fourth conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $500 and a minimum of five days in jail. (5) For a fifth conviction within five years: a fine of not less than $1,000 and 15 days in jail. C. Notwithstanding the availability of any other remedies or the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, the penalties set forth in Subsection D herein below shall be imposed for any conviction of any of the following offenses: (1) Section 265-13H(1)(c) . (2) Section 265-13H(1)(e) . (3) Section 265-13I(4) . D. Upon conviction of any of the offenses enumerated in Subsection C , the following penalties shall be imposed: (1) For a first conviction of violating the sections enumerated in Subsection C , a fine of not less than $250. (2) For a second conviction of violating the sections enumerated in Subsection C within any twelve-month period, a minimum penalty of $500. (3) For a third conviction of violating the sections enumerated in Subsection C within any twelve-month period, a minimum penalty of $1,000, and violators may additionally be punished by imprisonment not to exceed 15 days' incarceration. (4) The enhanced penalties for multiple convictions within a five-year period as set forth in Subsection C of § 265-18 shall also apply to all convictions subject of Subsections C and D of this section. E. Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Court from, in its discretion, imposing an appropriate amount of community service in lieu of the penalties described in Subsections B and D , or in addition to said penalties. The appropriate amount of community service shall be not less than five hours per $25 worth of the mandatory minimum fines enumerated in Subsection B hereinabove.
Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-19 establishes mandatory minimum fines—and in some cases jail time—for convictions of specific housing code offenses, with penalties escalating based on the number of prior convictions within a defined lookback period. Two separate penalty tracks exist: one covering a broader set of offenses (Subsection B) starting at a $25 minimum fine for a first offense and reaching a $1,000 fine plus 15 days in jail for a fifth offense within five years, and a stricter track (Subsection D) for a narrower set of offenses starting at $250 for a first conviction. Courts retain discretion to substitute or supplement monetary penalties with community service, calculated at a rate tied to the mandatory minimum fine amounts.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-19 should be aware that convictions for the enumerated code violations carry mandatory minimum penalties that courts cannot waive—fines escalate with each successive conviction, and repeat offenses within five years (or twelve months, depending on the offense category) can trigger jail time in addition to fines. Compliant operators generally maintain properties in continuous conformance with the referenced sections of Chapter 265 to avoid entering the escalating conviction schedule. Keeping thorough maintenance records and promptly addressing any cited violations are practices commonly associated with avoiding repeat-offense exposure under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-19, tenants living in properties where landlords have been convicted of the enumerated housing code violations can take note that the law imposes mandatory minimum penalties on those landlords—penalties that increase with each repeat offense. If a tenant believes their landlord is violating the underlying sections referenced in § 265-19, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the appropriate Binghamton municipal code enforcement office or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Tenants may also consult with a licensed attorney to understand how documented violations and any resulting convictions could be relevant to their housing situation.
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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