Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 240 § 240-20
Buildings and structures
Operative Text
A. Floors, walls, including windows and doors, ceilings and other interior surfaces within the rental property, shall be maintained in clean and sanitary condition in accordance with the Code and shall not be broken, damaged or destroyed and/or permitted to attract insect, vermin and rodent harborage and infestation. B. Extension cords. Electrical extension cords shall be used only in conformance with the Code. If extension cords must be used, they must be used on a temporary basis only, properly sized for the use; must not cross any pathways, or be placed under carpets or rugs. They also should not be a tripping hazard. C. Utilities. (1) Tenants may not perform electrical or plumbing work Tampering with electrical or plumbing infrastructure in any way is prohibited. (2) Tenants or third parties who are licensed electricians or licensed plumbers must obtain proper permits before commencing and completing any work. 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. Electrical light fixtures and other heat generating appliances shall not be covered with fabric or other combustible material. 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, rooming unit, dwelling unit 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. Fire escapes shall not be used for storage and shall be kept clear to allow for immediate egress from a room, rooming unit, dwelling unit or building. H. Tenants shall not store combustible or flammable liquids and/or flammable gases in their dwelling unit or rooming unit, or in accessory buildings, except in sealed, approved containers. I. Flammable and combustible liquids and/or gases shall not be stored in hallways, exits, stairways or areas normally used for the safe passage of people. J. Unfinished areas of buildings, such as cellars or attics, shall not be used for any activities whatsoever other than for utility purposes. K. Rugs or carpet shall not be installed in such a way as to obstruct the smooth opening or closing of any doors. L. 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. M. 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.
Section 240-20 of the Newburgh Code of Ordinances establishes a broad set of interior maintenance and safety standards for rental properties. Interior surfaces must be kept clean and free of damage, fire hazards must be avoided through proper use of extension cords, lighting, and storage practices, and flammable materials must be handled and stored safely. Unfinished building areas like cellars and attics are restricted to utility purposes only, and fire escapes and exit pathways must remain clear at all times.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Newburgh Code ch. 240 § 240-20, compliant rental property operators generally ensure that all interior surfaces—floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors—are maintained in clean, sanitary, and undamaged condition. Operators typically conduct regular inspections to confirm that extension cords are used only temporarily and properly, that storage in unfinished areas and near exits is prohibited, and that kitchens, bathrooms, and garbage areas do not create conditions that attract pests. Ensuring that any electrical or plumbing work performed by tenants or third parties is done by licensed professionals with proper permits is also part of maintaining compliance with this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 240-20 of the Newburgh Code places a number of responsibilities directly on tenants, including keeping cooking and bathroom areas sanitary, avoiding storage that blocks exits or fire escapes, and refraining from electrical or plumbing work without proper licensing and permits. Tenants who believe their landlord is failing to maintain interior surfaces or address pest-attracting conditions may have grounds to raise those conditions as a housing code violation. Tenant-rights organizations in New York or the local code enforcement office in Newburgh can provide general information about how violations under ch. 240 § 240-20 are reported and addressed.
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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