Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 § 177-12
Penalties for offenses
Operative Text
A. Any violation of this chapter by a person, firm, corporation or other entity shall be a violation punishable in accordance with the general penalty provisions under Lackawanna Code § 177-12 , with said penalties to be in addition to the revocation of a rental dwelling unit registration certificate issued under the provisions of this chapter. In addition, the annual registration fee will double 30 days after the due date has passed and a second invoice for payment has been sent first-class mail to the owner. In addition, a summons will be issued 60 days after the due date has passed and a fine in the amount of $75 will be imposed in addition to all outstanding registration fees and late charges. Furthermore, a notice to vacate may be issued and all tenants removed for failure to register a dwelling unit 30 days after the due date has passed and after notice to the owner and occupants by the Director. B. Notwithstanding the lack of a specific reference thereto, failure to comply with any section, provisions or requirements in this chapter shall be a violation and shall be punishable by a fine or penalty of not more than $250 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for each such offense and any other applicable state statutes. This chapter is a part of the City health, safety, housing, building, fire prevention and housing codes, and a violation thereof shall be deemed to be a violation for purposes of state statutes allowing escrow of rent to remedy violations. Any charges involving violations of this chapter may be brought before the Housing Part in Lackawanna City Court.
Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 § 177-12 establishes a tiered penalty structure for violations of the city's rental dwelling registration requirements. Landlords who fail to register on time face escalating consequences: a doubled registration fee after 30 days, a $75 fine via summons after 60 days, and the potential removal of tenants by the Director after 30 days with proper notice. Beyond registration failures, any violation of the chapter can result in a fine of up to $250, up to 15 days of imprisonment, or both, per offense, and may also trigger certificate revocation. Because the chapter is classified as part of the city's health, safety, and housing codes, violations can also activate state-law rent escrow remedies.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 § 177-12 generally maintain current rental dwelling unit registration certificates and pay annual fees before their due dates to avoid the chapter's escalating penalty schedule. A compliant operator tracks the 30-day and 60-day post-due-date thresholds carefully, since late registration triggers a doubled fee, then a $75 summons, and ultimately the risk of a Director-ordered notice to vacate. Keeping registration current also protects against the broader penalty of up to $250 per offense or 15 days' imprisonment, and guards against revocation of the registration certificate itself.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Lackawanna, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 177 § 177-12, tenants living in an unregistered rental unit have meaningful protections: the Director may issue a notice to vacate against a non-compliant landlord, and the chapter's classification as part of the city's health, safety, and housing codes means that violations can serve as a basis for rent escrow under applicable New York state statutes. Tenants who believe their landlord is out of compliance with registration requirements may consider contacting the Lackawanna City housing authorities or bringing the matter before the Housing Part in Lackawanna City Court. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Lackawanna's local ordinances can help tenants understand which enforcement paths may be available to them.
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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