Horseheads, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 188 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 188-65
Emergency actions
Operative Text
A. Whenever a Code Enforcement Officer has probable cause to believe that a condition exists in or around a rental building or structure which constitutes an immediate and severe threat to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants or to the public, the Code Enforcement Officer may take any necessary action, including the temporary suspension of a rental permit. The Code Enforcement Officer shall serve upon the owner or agent a written order incorporating the factual finding upon which the emergency action is based, without a prior hearing, such suspension to be effective on the date specified in the order. Any costs incurred may be assessed against the property or collected as a personal judgment pursuant to valid legal action. B. Whenever a Code Enforcement Officer has probable cause to believe that a condition exists in or around a rental building or structure which threatens the health, safety or welfare of the occupants or the public, the Code Enforcement Officer may issue an order describing the condition and requiring that specified action be taken. If the owner does not comply with the order within the time specified, the Officer may authorize the taking of the action specified in the order. Any costs incurred may be assessed against the property or collected as a personal judgment pursuant to valid legal action. C. A copy of the order shall be sent to the owner or agent at their last known addresses. The method by which such notice shall be given shall be that method which provides notice within the shortest practicable period of time.
Section 188-65 of the Horseheads Code of Ordinances authorizes Code Enforcement Officers to act swiftly when a rental property poses an immediate or serious threat to occupant or public health, safety, or welfare. In the most urgent cases, an officer may suspend a rental permit without a prior hearing, serving a written order on the owner that details the factual basis for the action. In less acute but still concerning situations, the officer may issue a corrective order, and if the owner fails to comply within the stated timeframe, the officer may carry out the required action directly. Any costs the municipality incurs through these emergency measures can be charged against the property or recovered through legal action.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 188-65, compliant rental property operators generally maintain their buildings in a condition that avoids triggering emergency intervention by a Code Enforcement Officer. When an emergency order is issued, operators typically respond immediately to the written notice, which will be sent to the owner or agent's last known address, and take the corrective steps described in the order within any deadline specified. Owners should be aware that costs associated with any emergency action taken by the municipality—whether a permit suspension or direct remediation—may be assessed against the property or pursued as a personal judgment.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 188-65 gives tenants a layer of protection by empowering Code Enforcement Officers to act without waiting for a formal hearing when a rental property presents an immediate and severe threat to health, safety, or welfare. If you believe your building poses such a threat, you may contact the Horseheads Code Enforcement office to report the condition, which could prompt an inspection and potentially an emergency order under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in New York can help you understand what options are generally available, including how an owner's failure to comply with a § 188-65 order might be relevant to other housing remedies.
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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