Elmira Town, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 171 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 171-1
Legislative intent and findings
Operative Text
A. The Town Board hereby finds and declares that the rental of dwelling units constitutes a business which impacts upon the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the Town. The intent of this chapter is to regulate the offering for rental of dwelling units by owners who have demonstrated a disregard for the timely management and maintenance of rental dwelling units in an effort to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the Town and to further achieve the following beneficial purposes: (1) The protection of the character and stability of residential areas; (2) The correction and prevention of housing conditions that adversely affect or are likely to adversely affect the life, safety, general welfare and health, including the physical, mental and social well-being of persons occupying dwellings; (3) The enforcement of minimum standards for heating, plumbing and other sanitary equipment necessary for health and safety; (4) The enforcement of minimum standards for light and ventilation necessary for health and safety; (5) The enforcement of minimum standards for the maintenance of existing residential buildings and the prevention of slum and blight conditions; (6) The preservation of the value of land and buildings throughout the Town; (7) The protection of responsible owners of rental dwelling units who responsibly and timely manage and maintain their rental dwelling units. The Town Board finds that responsible owners not in violation of this chapter shall not be subject to the probationary certification procedure contained in this chapter.
Section 171-1 of Elmira Town's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational purpose behind the town's rental dwelling regulation framework. The chapter is designed to address situations where property owners have shown disregard for timely management and upkeep of rental units, with the goal of protecting public health, safety, and general welfare. The provision identifies several specific aims, including maintaining residential stability, enforcing minimum standards for heating, plumbing, light, and ventilation, and preventing blight. Notably, the rule explicitly distinguishes responsible, compliant owners from those subject to the chapter's probationary certification process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 171-1 of Elmira Town Code ch. 171, the town's regulatory framework is expressly designed to target owners who have demonstrated disregard for timely management and maintenance — not those who keep their properties in good order. Compliant operators who meet minimum standards for heating, plumbing, sanitation, light, and ventilation are explicitly shielded from the probationary certification procedure described elsewhere in the chapter. Property managers generally document their maintenance activities and respond promptly to repair needs as a way of demonstrating the responsible ownership that § 171-1 recognizes and protects.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 171-1 of Elmira Town Code ch. 171 establishes that tenants living in rental dwelling units are among the people whose health, safety, and general welfare this chapter is intended to protect. The provision recognizes that poor housing conditions — including inadequate heating, plumbing, sanitation, light, and ventilation — can adversely affect the physical, mental, and social well-being of occupants. Tenants who believe their unit falls short of the minimum standards described in § 171-1 may consider documenting conditions, contacting the relevant town enforcement office, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand what options the chapter provides.
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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