Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 166-26
Sanitary requirements
Operative Text
A. Generally. The operator of every rooming house shall be responsible for the sanitary maintenance of all walls, floors and ceilings and for maintenance of a sanitary condition in every other part of the rooming house; and he or she shall be further responsible for the sanitary maintenance of the entire premises where the entire structure or building is leased or occupied by the operator. B. Bed linens; towels. No operator of a rooming house is required by Village ordinance or local law to furnish bed linen and towels. However, if any operator shall supply bed linen and towels for use therein, said bed linen and towels shall be changed at least once each week and prior to the letting of any room to any occupant. The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance of all bedding supplied by the operator in a clean and sanitary manner. C. Toilet facilities. At least one flush water closet, lavatory basin and bathtub or shower shall be in a room providing privacy. These facilities shall be properly connected to a water and sewer system and in good working condition. One such facility shall be supplied for each eight persons or fraction thereof residing within a rooming house, including members of the operator's family whenever they share the use of said facilities, provided that in a rooming house where rooms are let only to males, flush urinals may be substituted for not more than 1/2 the required number of water closets. All such facilities shall be so located within the dwelling as to be reasonably accessible from a common hall or passageway to all persons sharing such facilities. Every lavatory basin and bathtub or shower shall be supplied with hot water at all times. No such facilities shall be located in a basement except by written approval of the enforcement officer.
Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 § 166-26 establishes sanitary standards for rooming houses, covering walls, floors, ceilings, and all common areas. While operators are not required to provide bed linens or towels, any that are supplied must be laundered at least weekly and before each new occupant. The provision also sets minimum ratios for toilet, bathing, and lavatory facilities—one complete set per eight residents—and requires those facilities to have hot water, proper plumbing connections, and accessible locations within the building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 166-26, compliant rooming house operators generally keep all structural surfaces and common areas in a clean, sanitary condition at all times. If bedding or towels are offered to residents, operators change them at least once per week and before any room changes hands. Operators also ensure that toilet and bathing facilities meet the one-per-eight-persons ratio, remain properly plumbed with continuous hot water, are accessible from common hallways, and are not placed in a basement without written approval from the enforcement officer.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 166-26 gives rooming house residents a baseline expectation of sanitary living conditions, including clean common areas and properly functioning toilet and bathing facilities with hot water. If an operator supplies bedding or towels, residents can expect those items to be laundered weekly and refreshed before a new occupancy begins. Residents who believe these standards are not being met may raise a violation under § 166-26 as a concern with local housing or code enforcement authorities, or seek guidance from a tenant-rights organization familiar with Johnson City ordinances.
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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