Hempstead Town, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 99 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 99-27
Presumptive evidence dwelling unit is rented
Operative Text
A. Within the context of rental registration enforcement and prosecutions, the presence or existence of any of the following shall create a rebuttable presumption that a premises is being used as a rental occupancy: (1) The dwelling unit is occupied by someone other than the owner and the owner of the dwelling unit represents in writing or otherwise, to any person, establishment, business, institution or government agency, that he or she resides at an address other than the dwelling unit in question; (2) Persons residing in the dwelling unit represent that they pay rent to the owner of the premises; (3) Utilities, cable, telephone or other services are in place or are requested to be installed or used at the dwelling unit in the name of someone other than the owner; (4) Testimony by a witness that it is common knowledge in the community that a person other than the owner resides in the dwelling unit; (5) Persons residing in the dwelling unit represent that they pay rent to the owner of the premises; (6) There are separate entrances for segregated parts of the dwelling; (7) There are partitions, key locks, or internal doors which may serve to bar access between segregated portions of the dwelling, including but not limited to bedrooms; (8) There exists a separate written or oral lease or rental arrangement, payment or agreement for portions of the dwelling among its owner(s) and/or occupants and/or persons in possession thereof; (9) Any occupant or person in possession thereof does not have unimpeded and/or lawful access to all parts of the dwelling unit; (10) Two or more kitchens each containing one or more of the following: a range, oven, hot plate, microwave or other similar device customarily used for cooking or preparation of food and/or a refrigerator; (11) A premises has been advertised on the Internet, in any newspaper, magazine, on a website, local advertising publication, or posted or billed as being available for rent. B. Within the context of rental registration enforcement and prosecutions, the presence or existence of any two of the following shall create a rebuttable presumption that a premises is being used as a rental occupancy: (1) There is more than one mailbox at the premises; (2) There is more than one gas meter at the premises; (3) There is more than one electric meter at the premises; (4) There is more than one doorbell at the premises; (5) There are three or more motor vehicles registered to the dwelling and each vehicle owner has a different surname; (6) There are more than three waste receptacles, cans, containers, bags, or boxes containing waste from the premises placed for pickup at least twice during a weekly garbage pickup period; or (7) There is no electric meter annexed to the exterior of the premises. C. The presumptions set forth in Subsections A and B above, subject to the limitations contained therein, shall also be applicable to enforcement and prosecution of residential illegal use and occupancy violations. D. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent persons living together as a family unit, with the owner, as defined by this Code. E. All of the foregoing may be rebutted by evidence presented to the Code Enforcement Official or any court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 99-27 of Hempstead Town's Code of Ordinances establishes a list of observable conditions that, if present, create a legal presumption that a dwelling is being used as a rental unit — even without a formal lease or direct admission. A single qualifying condition from the first list (such as an internet rental advertisement, separate kitchen appliances, or a tenant's statement about paying rent) is enough to trigger this presumption, while any two conditions from the second list (such as multiple mailboxes or separate utility meters) can also trigger it. The presumption is 'rebuttable,' meaning it can be challenged and overcome by presenting contrary evidence to a code enforcement official or a court.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 99-27, Hempstead Town code enforcement officers are authorized to use a wide range of observable indicators — from separate entrances and multiple kitchens to online rental listings and utility meter configurations — as legal grounds to presume a unit is being rented without registration. Operators who own properties in Hempstead Town generally ensure that any rental arrangement is properly registered and that the physical configuration of the dwelling does not inadvertently trigger one or more of the enumerated presumptions. When a presumption is raised during an enforcement action or prosecution, the burden shifts to the property owner to present rebutting evidence to the Code Enforcement Official or a court of competent jurisdiction.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 99-27 is primarily an enforcement tool directed at property owners, but it has practical implications for occupants as well — statements made by residents about paying rent, or observable conditions within the unit, can be used as evidence in code enforcement proceedings or prosecutions for illegal occupancy. Tenants living in a unit that may not be properly registered under Hempstead Town's rental registration program may wish to understand how this provision could affect their housing situation, particularly if an enforcement action is initiated. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Nassau County housing law can help occupants understand how the rebuttable presumption framework under § 99-27 might intersect with their rights and any ongoing enforcement activity.
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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