Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 258 § 258-5
Obligation of tenant to clean premises
Operative Text
The tenant shall have the obligation of placing the residential unit in an overall clean condition as it was when the tenancy commenced, excepting normal wear and tear.
Section 258-5 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances establishes that a tenant bears responsibility for returning a rental unit to the same general level of cleanliness that existed at the start of the tenancy. The rule carves out an exception for normal wear and tear, meaning ordinary deterioration from everyday use does not count against the tenant. This provision sets a baseline standard rather than requiring the unit to be in better condition than when the tenancy began.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 258-5, compliant operators in Ithaca typically document the condition of a unit at move-in—through written checklists, photographs, or video—so that the baseline cleanliness standard is clearly established. When a tenancy ends, that same documentation helps distinguish between ordinary wear and tear and cleaning deficiencies that fall under the tenant's obligation. Maintaining thorough move-in and move-out records is a common practice for operators seeking to apply this provision consistently.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 258-5 of Ithaca's Code of Ordinances means that a tenant's cleaning obligation is tied to the condition of the unit at the start of the lease, not to an arbitrary or higher standard. Normal wear and tear—such as minor scuffs or gradual fading—is explicitly excluded from this obligation, which can be relevant if a landlord attempts to withhold a security deposit for such items. Tenants who believe this provision is being misapplied may find it useful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review Ithaca's housing complaint processes for guidance on available options.
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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