East Syracuse, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 265 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 265-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: AGENT A representative of a property owner or landlord at least 18 years old and who resides within the designated boundaries of Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland or Cayuga County and legally authorized and identified to the Village to act in the owner's behalf in matters regarding the rental units. HOUSING INSPECTOR Any code enforcement official authorized to inspect rental units. LANDLORD Any property owner or designated agent who offers a housing unit for occupancy to anyone other than the owner. RENTAL PROPERTY Any housing unit or units which are occupied by persons other than the owner. RENTAL UNIT Any housing unit within a rental property occupied by persons other than the owner. RENTAL UNIT OCCUPANCY PERMIT A permit issued by the Village of East Syracuse stating that the referenced property and/or rental unit conforms to the standards of the Property Maintenance Code and Fire Code of New York State, Life Safety Code and the Municipal Code of East Syracuse and that structure or rental unit is permitted for residential use. Any special circumstances or conditions under which occupancy is permitted may be specified on that rental permit. TENANT Any person who occupies a non-owner-occupied rental unit. UNFIT RENTAL UNIT When a structure or unit(s) is found to be unsafe, unfit for human occupancy or is found unlawful.
Section 265-2 of East Syracuse's Code of Ordinances establishes the shared vocabulary used throughout the village's rental-property article. It defines key terms such as 'Landlord,' 'Tenant,' 'Rental Unit,' and 'Rental Unit Occupancy Permit,' ensuring that all parties, officials, and courts interpret the article's requirements consistently. Notably, a qualifying 'Agent' must be at least 18 years old and reside within one of five specified counties, while a 'Rental Unit Occupancy Permit' confirms that a unit meets state and local property maintenance, fire, and life-safety standards. The definition of 'Unfit Rental Unit' covers structures or units deemed unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or otherwise unlawful.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 265-2, any representative a property owner designates to act on their behalf must be at least 18 years old, reside within Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland, or Cayuga County, and be legally authorized and identified to the Village. Compliant operators ensure that each rental unit holds a valid Rental Unit Occupancy Permit confirming conformance with the Property Maintenance Code, Fire Code of New York State, Life Safety Code, and East Syracuse's Municipal Code. Keeping agent designations current and occupancy permits on file are practices generally associated with meeting the baseline requirements established by this definitional section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 265-2 defines 'Tenant' as any person occupying a non-owner-occupied rental unit, which means the protections and obligations throughout East Syracuse's rental article apply to that occupancy relationship. The definition of 'Unfit Rental Unit' — covering units that are unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or unlawful — is a foundational term that can be relevant when a tenant believes their unit falls below required standards. Tenants who have concerns about their unit's condition or the validity of its Rental Unit Occupancy Permit may consider contacting the Village's code enforcement office or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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