Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-38
Garbage and refuse
Operative Text
A. Grounds and exterior property area shall be kept free from organic and inorganic material that might become a health, accident or fire hazard. B. Adequate sanitary facilities and methods shall be used for the collection, storage, handling and disposal of garbage and refuse. C. In multiple dwellings, it shall be prohibited to store or accumulate garbage or refuse in public halls and stairways.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-38 establishes cleanliness and safety standards for residential properties regarding garbage and refuse. Outdoor grounds and exterior areas must be kept clear of materials that could pose health, accident, or fire hazards. Sanitary methods must be used for collecting, storing, handling, and disposing of garbage, and in multi-unit buildings, refuse may not be stored or left to accumulate in shared hallways or stairways.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 210 § 210-38, compliant property operators generally maintain exterior grounds free of debris and hazardous materials, provide adequate sanitary containers and collection systems for garbage and refuse, and ensure that common interior spaces such as hallways and stairways in multi-unit buildings remain clear of stored or accumulated waste. Operators of multiple dwellings typically establish clear protocols for where tenants may place refuse for pickup and communicate those expectations in writing. Regular inspections of both exterior grounds and interior common areas help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 210-38 of the Ithaca Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to expect that shared hallways and stairways in multi-unit buildings will be kept free of stored garbage or refuse, and that the property's exterior grounds will be maintained free of hazardous materials. If these conditions are not being met, tenants may consider documenting the issue with photographs and dates, and can look into filing a complaint with Ithaca's local code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations in the Ithaca area can help residents understand what options are generally available when a landlord is not meeting the sanitation standards set out in this provision.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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