Johnson City, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 166-44
Maintenance of individual dwelling or dwelling unit
Operative Text
A. Duty of occupant. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall keep in a clean and sanitary condition that part of the dwelling, dwelling unit and premises thereof which he or she occupies and controls. B. Liability of occupant. Every occupant of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be liable if a violation is caused by his or her own willful act, assistance or negligence or that of any member of his or her family or household or his or her guests.
Section 166-44 of the Johnson City Code of Ordinances places a cleanliness and sanitation obligation on the people who actually live in a dwelling or dwelling unit, covering the specific areas they occupy and control. The provision also establishes that an occupant can be held liable for violations that result from their own willful actions, negligence, or assistance — as well as from the conduct of family members, household members, or guests. In other words, the rule ties responsibility for the condition of a unit directly to the person living there, not just the property owner.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 166-44, Johnson City's code assigns a direct maintenance duty to occupants themselves, which means property owners and managers should document the condition of units at move-in and throughout tenancy to distinguish pre-existing conditions from occupant-caused deterioration. Compliant operators typically include lease language that mirrors the occupant's statutory duty under this provision, reinforcing that tenants bear responsibility for areas they control. Keeping thorough inspection records can help clarify whether a violation originated from occupant conduct, family members, or guests — all of whom are covered under § 166-44's liability clause.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 166-44 of the Johnson City Code of Ordinances makes clear that tenants have an affirmative duty to maintain the portions of their dwelling that they occupy and control in a clean and sanitary condition. The provision also means that tenants can be held responsible for violations caused by their own negligence or willful acts, as well as those caused by household members or guests — so understanding the scope of this obligation is important. Tenants who have questions about what this duty covers, or who believe a violation has been incorrectly attributed to them, may benefit from consulting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid service 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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