Ghent, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 136 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 136-4

A. The Town of Ghent Building Inspector shall have the right to inspect all residential rental dwelling units to determine compliance with applicable provisions of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (hereinafter "Uniform Code"). Such inspection may be made at any time, and it is not necessary that a complaint be made in connection therewith. B. On or within three months after the effective date of this chapter, all owners or agents of any residential dwelling or premises that is subject to the provisions of this chapter shall obtain a residential occupancy permit from the Town of Ghent Building Inspector setting forth that each residential rental dwelling unit complies with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code. C. On or after the effective date of this chapter, each owner or agent of a residential dwelling unit or premises in the Town of Ghent that is subject to the provisions of this chapter shall obtain a residential occupancy permit from the Building Inspector prior to occupancy of such dwelling unit where there is a change in the tenancy. Prior to the issuance of such permit, the Building Inspector shall inspect the premises to determine compliance with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Code. D. It shall be unlawful and a violation of this chapter for an owner or agent to rent, lease, or otherwise allow the occupancy of any residential rental dwelling unit that is subject to the provisions of this chapter without the inspection from the Building Inspector and/or without obtaining a residential occupancy permit as required herein. E. Upon a change in the tenancy for any residential dwelling unit or premises covered by this chapter, but prior to any new occupancy thereof, the owner or agent of such unit shall file with the Building Inspector a request for an inspection of the dwelling unit and the issuance of a residential occupancy permit. F. Each owner or agent shall give written notice to the Building Inspector of a change of tenancy of any residential dwelling unit or premises prior to the effective date of such change. No change in tenancy shall be valid unless such written notice has been given and the Building Inspector has inspected the property, has determined compliance with the provisions of the Uniform Code, and has issued a residential occupancy permit. G. The Building Inspector shall make the inspection of the residential dwelling unit within five business days of the date of receipt of written request from the agent or owner. H. If upon inspection said dwelling or premises do not comply with all applicable provisions of the Uniform Code, the Building Inspector shall indicate the specific items of noncompliance and shall send or deliver them in writing to the agent or owner of the subject residential dwelling unit or premises and shall set forth a time limit not to exceed 30 days for the correction of or substantial effort to correct the deficiencies noted. The failure to correct the deficiencies shall be a separate violation of this chapter in addition to any violation of the Uniform Code. I. The Building Inspector shall make a good faith effort to notify the owner or agent of any residential dwelling unit or premises prior to an inspection, either by telephone or first-class mail. However, the failure to notify the owner or agent shall not prevent the Building Inspector from in any manner inspecting the subject property. J. Where the Building Inspector has reason to believe that the subject residential dwelling unit or premises is in such condition that it creates an imminent hazard to public health or to the physical or mental health or safety of the occupants of the rental dwelling unit, the Building Inspector may inspect the premises immediately, without notice, and in such event shall provide the owner or agent of such residential dwelling unit one working day from the date of receipt of notice to correct any violations. The Building Inspector may further take any additional steps necessary to assure that any violations will be corrected, including the issuance of an order directing that the premises be shut down because of any such hazard to public health or the physical or mental health or safety of the occupants.