Greece, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 157-16
Responsibility of occupants
Operative Text
With respect to that part of a building which the occupant occupies, controls or uses, the occupant shall be responsible for the following: A. Occupancy limitations and its lawfully permitted use (as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code). B. Maintenance in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. C. Maintenance of plumbing, cooking and refrigeration equipment, appliances, fixtures and facilities in a clean and sanitary condition and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof (as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code). D. Keeping exits free and clear (as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code). E. Disposing of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a sanitary manner, and keeping the premises free and clear therefrom (as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code). F. Keeping domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control (as required by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code).
Greece, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 157 § 157-16 establishes that occupants bear direct responsibility for the portions of a building they occupy, control, or use. This includes maintaining those areas in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition; keeping exits clear; properly disposing of garbage; and managing pets appropriately. Many of these duties are tied to the standards set by the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 157-16, property owners and managers should be aware that certain maintenance and safety obligations shift to occupants for the areas they control, but operators generally document these responsibilities clearly in lease agreements to avoid ambiguity. Compliant operators typically conduct periodic inspections to confirm that shared and individual spaces meet the cleanliness, sanitation, and exit-clearance standards referenced in this section. Keeping records of any notices or communications about occupant responsibilities can help demonstrate that the property is being managed in accordance with the ordinance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 157-16 of the Greece, N.Y. Code of Ordinances makes clear that tenants carry responsibility for the condition of the spaces they occupy, including keeping those areas sanitary, maintaining plumbing and cooking equipment with reasonable care, and ensuring exits remain unobstructed. Tenants who believe a landlord is improperly attributing maintenance failures to them—or who have questions about how these duties interact with the landlord's own obligations—may find it useful to review the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code standards referenced in this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and local housing offices can be resources for understanding how these shared responsibilities are typically interpreted and enforced.
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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