Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 240 § 240-2
Definitions
Operative Text
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: AGENT Any person who has charge, care, or control of a building, or part thereof, in which rental dwelling units or rooming units are let. BUILDING A combination of materials, whether portable or fixed, having a roof to form a structure affording shelter for persons, animals, or property. CODE The City of Newburgh Code of Ordinances and the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. DWELLING A building used in whole or part for residential uses. DWELLING UNIT A single unit providing complete, independent, law-compliant living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. MUNICIPAL OFFICER The Fire Chief, Code Compliance Supervisor, Building Inspector, or other such official within the Fire Department or the Bureau of Code Compliance as may be designated in writing. OWNER Any individual or individuals, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation or any similar type of business organization, whether for profit or otherwise, in whose name title to a building stands, including a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, trustee, lessee, agent, or any other person, firm, or corporation directly or indirectly in control of the property. Each, any, and all such persons shall have a joint and severable obligation for compliance with the provisions of this chapter. OWNER-OCCUPIED DWELLING A dwelling occupied by an individual owner or by members of his or her family on a nonrental basis. For the purposes of this chapter, "owner-occupied" shall not include any building owned by a limited liability company, partnership, corporation, or: any similar type of business organization, including, but not limited to, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, assignee of rents, receiver, executor, .trustee, lessee, or agent. RENTAL PROPERTY All buildings that contain a dwelling unit or a rooming unit that is rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied for residential or mixed use (commercial-residential) and are not owner-occupied. ROOMING UNIT Any furnished room for rent within a building and forming a single sleeping space. TENANT A person, not the legal owner of record, occupying or in possession or control of a dwelling, dwelling unit or a rooming unit.
Section 240-2 of Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 240 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the city's rental property regulations. It defines key terms such as "owner," "tenant," "dwelling unit," "rental property," and "agent," clarifying who bears responsibility and what types of structures and occupancies fall under the chapter's scope. Notably, the definition of "owner" is broad, encompassing not just titleholders but also mortgagees, receivers, trustees, and others in control of a property, each carrying joint and several obligations for compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Newburgh should be aware that under § 240-2, the term "owner" extends well beyond the person whose name appears on the deed — it can include LLCs, partnerships, agents, and others in control of a building, all of whom share compliance obligations jointly and severally. Operators who delegate day-to-day management to an agent should understand that both the agent and the owner may be held accountable under ch. 240. Entities structured as LLCs, corporations, or similar business organizations should also note that their properties are explicitly excluded from the "owner-occupied" exemption defined in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 240-2 of Newburgh's Code of Ordinances ch. 240, a "tenant" is defined as any person occupying or in control of a dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit who is not the legal owner of record, which establishes who is protected by the chapter's rental property requirements. Because the definition of "owner" is expansive and carries joint and several compliance obligations, tenants may have recourse against multiple responsible parties — not just the titleholder — when code issues arise. Tenants who believe a provision of ch. 240 is being violated can explore options such as contacting the City of Newburgh's Bureau of Code Compliance or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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