Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-4
Buildings and structures
Operative Text
A. Floors, walls, including windows and doors, ceilings and other interior surfaces within the rented residential premises shall be maintained in clean and sanitary condition so as not to attract insect, vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. B. Extension cords. Electrical extension cords shall not be used in excess. If extension cords must be used, they must not cross any pathways, or be placed under carpets or rugs. They also should not be a tripping hazard. C. Electrical. (1) Tenants who are not licensed electricians shall not do any electrical work, nor shall they tamper with any electrical wiring in any way, nor shall they permit third parties who are not licensed electricians to do such electrical work, or to tamper with any electrical wiring in any way. (2) Electrical light fixtures and other heat-generating appliances shall not be covered with fabric or other combustible material. D. External decorative lighting, including but not limited to holiday lighting, shall not be hung by tacks or nails in such a manner as to create a fire hazard. E. Excessive amounts of loose fabric when used as a wall or ceiling covering is a fire hazard and is not permitted. F. Tenants may not store or place anything in such a way that it might block or prevent the use of a means of exiting from a room, apartment, or building. Items should not be stored by tenants in unfinished areas of buildings (cellars, attics, etc.), which could contribute to combustion in a fire or block access by emergency personnel. (i.e., mattresses, old boxes, lumber, clothes, etc.). G. Tenants shall not store combustible or flammable liquids in their residence, or in accessory buildings, except in sealed, approved containers. H. Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be stored in hallways, exits, stairways or areas normally used for the safe passage of people. I. Unfinished areas of buildings, such as cellars or attics, shall not be used for any activities whatsoever other than for utility purposes. J. Rugs or carpet shall not be installed in such a way as to obstruct the smooth opening or closing of any doors. K. Cooking and refrigeration appliances, kitchens, and bathrooms must be kept in a clean and sanitary condition so as not to attract insect, vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. L. Food garbage shall not be stored on premises in such a way or for such a period of time so as to become a health hazard.
Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-4 establishes a broad set of interior maintenance and safety standards for rented residential premises. The rule covers a wide range of conditions, including keeping floors, walls, ceilings, kitchens, and bathrooms clean and free of pest attractants; restricting the use of extension cords and prohibiting unlicensed electrical work; and requiring that exits, stairways, and hallways remain clear of stored items and flammable materials. Decorative lighting, fabric wall coverings, and the storage of combustible liquids are also regulated to reduce fire hazards, and unfinished spaces like cellars and attics are limited to utility use only.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-4, property owners and managers generally ensure that rented units are delivered and maintained in a condition that meets the provision's interior cleanliness, fire safety, and electrical standards. Compliant operators typically conduct periodic inspections to confirm that common areas, exits, stairways, and unfinished spaces remain free of stored combustibles and obstructions, and that the physical structure—including walls, floors, and ceilings—does not harbor conditions that attract pests. Landlords also commonly communicate these requirements to tenants at move-in and through lease terms so that responsibilities under § 333-4 are clearly understood by all parties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Kingston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 333 § 333-4 places a number of affirmative responsibilities directly on tenants, including keeping living spaces sanitary, refraining from unlicensed electrical work, keeping exits unobstructed, and properly storing or disposing of flammable materials and food garbage. Tenants who believe their landlord has failed to maintain the structural elements of the premises—such as walls, ceilings, or common areas—in compliance with § 333-4 may have grounds to raise those conditions as a concern with local code enforcement authorities in Kingston. Tenant-rights organizations can help renters understand which obligations fall on the landlord versus the tenant under this provision and what general enforcement paths, such as filing a complaint with the city, 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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