Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 258 § 258-12
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: DISPLACED TENANTS A tenant, as defined in this chapter, who cannot occupy the premises that the tenant is entitled to occupy due to the landlord's failure to adhere to any applicable provision, statute, rule or regulation relating to the rental unit, including but not limited to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and Chapters 210 and 325 of the Ithaca City Code. For the purposes of this chapter, a tenant's entitlement to occupy is any nongratuitous agreement with a landlord to occupy premises, regardless of whether the agreement violates a code, statute or regulation.
Section 258-12 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances establishes the definition of 'displaced tenants' for purposes of the article. Under this provision, a tenant qualifies as 'displaced' when they are unable to occupy a rental unit they have a right to occupy because the landlord has failed to comply with applicable laws, codes, or regulations — including the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Ithaca City Code Chapters 210 and 325. Notably, the definition clarifies that a tenant's right to occupy is based on any non-gratuitous (i.e., not free or gift-based) agreement with a landlord, even if that agreement itself runs afoul of a code or regulation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Ithaca City Code Chapter 258 should understand that § 258-12 defines 'displaced tenants' broadly — a tenant may qualify as displaced if the landlord's failure to meet any applicable code, statute, or regulation renders the unit unoccupiable. Compliant operators generally maintain their rental units in conformance with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and Ithaca City Code Chapters 210 and 325 to avoid triggering this displaced-tenant status. Because the definition applies regardless of whether the occupancy agreement itself is code-compliant, landlords cannot rely on an irregular tenancy arrangement as a shield against displacement obligations under § 258-12.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 258-12 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances, tenants who are unable to occupy their rental unit because of a landlord's failure to comply with applicable codes or regulations may qualify as 'displaced tenants,' a status that carries specific protections under Chapter 258. This definition is intentionally broad — it can apply even if the rental agreement itself is not fully code-compliant, as long as the arrangement was not gratuitous. Tenants who believe they may meet this definition can explore their options by contacting the City of Ithaca's relevant housing or code enforcement offices, or by reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about what protections may be available.
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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