Brookhaven, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 82 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 82-3
Neighborhood preservation requirements
Operative Text
A. Surface and subsurface water shall be appropriately drained to protect buildings and structures and to prevent the accumulation of water. Gutters, culverts, catch basins, drain outlets, stormwater sewers, approved combined storm and sanitary sewers or other satisfactory drainage systems shall be utilized to prevent damage to any portion of the subject or adjacent properties or any improvements thereupon. B. Steps, walks, driveways, parking areas and other paved areas shall be maintained in good repair. C. Yards shall be kept clean and free of physical hazards and debris. D. All lawns, common areas and recreation areas shall be maintained in a clean and neat condition. No portion of a lawn shall be damaged or destroyed by overuse or by the parking or driving of motor vehicles on such established lawn area. Carpet, tarps, sand or materials that damage or destroy the lawn shall not be placed anywhere upon a front lawn at any time. No portion of any front lawn shall be used for the parking, placement or storage of motor vehicles, trailers, boats or campers. E. Exterior surfaces of any and all dwellings, structures and accessory structures, including but not limited to fences that are not inherently resistant to deterioration, shall be periodically treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative. All surfaces shall be maintained free of deterioration, including but not limited to broken or missing glass, loose or missing shingles or siding, crumbling brick, stone and mortar and peeling, scaling or deteriorated paint. F. Dwellings, structures and accessory structures shall be maintained so as to be free of conditions detrimental to safety or health. G. Dwellings, structures, accessory structures and property shall be maintained free of vermin, rodent harborage and infestation. Methods used for exterminating vermin and rodents shall conform to Suffolk County Health Department standards. H. Adequate sanitary facilities and methods shall be used for the collection, storage, handling and disposal of garbage and refuse and sewage pursuant to Suffolk County Health Department standards. I. Floors, walls, ceilings and fixtures in residential dwellings shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. J. Dwellings, structures and accessory structures shall be free of partitions or locked internal doors barring access between segregated portions of the building or dwelling unit. K. No bedroom or sleeping quarters shall have interior key locks or dead bolt locked doors servicing said bedroom or sleeping quarters. L. No bedroom shall constitute the only means of access of other bedrooms or habitable spaces, and bedrooms shall not serve as the only means of egress from other habitable spaces. M. Carbon monoxide alarms and detectors shall be installed on every habitable floor of any dwelling, structure or accessory structure with a carbon monoxide source, in accordance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Town Code Chapters 16 and 30 .
Brookhaven Code § 82-3 establishes a broad set of property maintenance standards for residential properties, covering drainage, paved surfaces, yard cleanliness, lawn care, exterior surfaces, structural safety, pest control, sanitation, interior conditions, and carbon monoxide detection. The provision prohibits specific practices such as parking vehicles on front lawns, placing carpets or tarps on front lawns, and installing interior key locks or dead bolts on bedroom doors. It also requires that no bedroom serve as the sole means of access to or egress from other habitable spaces, and that carbon monoxide alarms be installed on every habitable floor where a CO source exists.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Brookhaven Code § 82-3 generally maintain drainage systems, paved surfaces, and exterior coatings in good repair, and keep yards and common areas clean and free of hazards. Compliant operators ensure that pest control methods meet Suffolk County Health Department standards, that garbage and sewage disposal follows applicable health codes, and that interior spaces remain sanitary and free of unauthorized partitions or locking doors on bedrooms. Operators also verify that carbon monoxide alarms are installed on every habitable floor with a CO source, consistent with New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code requirements referenced in § 82-3(M).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Brookhaven Code § 82-3, tenants have an interest in residential properties being maintained to the standards described, including safe drainage, pest-free conditions, proper sanitation, and functioning carbon monoxide detectors on every habitable floor with a CO source. If conditions appear to fall short of these standards — such as missing exterior coatings, bedroom doors with dead bolts, or inadequate pest control — tenants may consider documenting the conditions and contacting the Town of Brookhaven's code enforcement office to report potential violations. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Suffolk County housing law can help residents understand what options may be available under § 82-3 and related provisions.
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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