Binghamton, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 § 265-3
Inspection of dwellings
Operative Text
A. The Code Enforcement Bureau is authorized and directed to enter and inspect at all reasonable times, or at such times as may be necessary in an emergency, all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses or units, and premises located within the City of Binghamton both to determine whether such dwellings are in compliance with this chapter and to safeguard the health and safety of the occupants and the general public in accordance with Subsection B . B. The Code Enforcement Bureau shall enter and inspect a dwelling, dwelling units or premises, either upon request to and with the permission and at the convenience of the lawful owner, or upon the complaint and/or invitation of an occupant, or by an order of a judge of competent jurisdiction directing that the Code Enforcement Bureau shall have access for the purpose of making the inspection. The Code Enforcement Inspector shall, at the time of his or her inspection, leave a copy of the inspection worksheet with the resident of each specific unit so inspected. Where an immediate threat to health or safety is found in a building that affects more than one unit, a copy of the inspection worksheet shall be forwarded to the residents of the units affected. C. The Code Enforcement Bureau is authorized to make application to the Binghamton City Court for the issuance of a search warrant in order to conduct an inspection of any premises covered by this chapter where the owner, tenant or occupant refuses or fails to allow an inspection of his or her rental premises and where there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred. The application for a search warrant shall in all its respects comply with the applicable laws of the State of New York. D. Nothing in this section, except for provisions concerning emergency inspections, shall be deemed to authorize the Director of Code Enforcement or the Code Enforcement Bureau to conduct an inspection of any premises subject to this chapter without the consent of the owner, tenant or occupant of the premises or without a warrant duly issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 265-3 of Binghamton's Code of Ordinances establishes the authority and procedures governing how the Code Enforcement Bureau may inspect dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, and related premises within the city. Inspections may occur with the owner's permission, at an occupant's invitation or complaint, or pursuant to a court-issued warrant — and in genuine emergencies, access may be required without prior consent. After each inspection, the inspector is required to leave a copy of the inspection worksheet with the resident of each unit examined, and where a health or safety threat affects multiple units, affected residents must also receive copies.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 265-3, compliant property owners in Binghamton generally cooperate with Code Enforcement Bureau inspections scheduled at reasonable times and at the owner's convenience, or respond appropriately when a court order directs access. Operators who refuse or fail to allow an inspection when there is reasonable cause to believe a violation exists may face the Bureau seeking a search warrant through Binghamton City Court. Keeping records of any inspection worksheets left by inspectors and maintaining open communication with the Bureau are practices consistent with operating within this chapter's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 265-3 gives occupants the right to invite or request a Code Enforcement Bureau inspection of their dwelling unit, which can trigger an official review of conditions without requiring the landlord's prior agreement. After an inspection conducted at a tenant's invitation or complaint, the inspector is required to leave a copy of the inspection worksheet directly with the resident of the inspected unit. Tenants who believe conditions in their unit violate the chapter may consider contacting the Binghamton Code Enforcement Bureau directly, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available under this provision.
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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