Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-72
Responsibilities of lodging house operators
Operative Text
Lodging house operators shall be responsible for compliance with the housing standards in regard to the following: A. Limiting occupancy to the maximum permitted by the housing standards. B. Maintenance of safe and sanitary conditions in all parts of lodging house premises. C. Maintenance and operation of all required service facilities. D. Maintenance of all plumbing, cooking and refrigeration fixtures and appliances within his control, as well as other building equipment and facilities, in an operative, clean and sanitary condition. E. Sanitary maintenance of walls, floor and ceilings. F. Keeping exits clear and unencumbered. G. Disposal of building garbage and refuse in a clean and sanitary manner. H. Extermination of insects, rodents or other pests on the premises. I. Hanging and removing required screens.
Section 149-72 of Oswego's Code of Ordinances establishes that lodging house operators bear direct responsibility for a broad set of housing-standards obligations within their premises. These obligations cover occupancy limits, sanitation of walls, floors, and ceilings, functioning plumbing and appliances, pest extermination, clear exits, proper refuse disposal, and the installation and removal of required window screens. The provision places these duties squarely on the operator rather than distributing them among individual occupants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 149-72, a compliant lodging house operator in Oswego generally keeps all shared and common areas clean and sanitary, ensures that plumbing, cooking, and refrigeration equipment under their control remains in working order, and actively manages pest control and refuse disposal. Operators also track current occupancy against the maximum permitted by housing standards and make sure exits remain clear at all times. Maintaining records of maintenance activities, screen installations, and extermination services can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the obligations listed in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-72 makes lodging house operators—not tenants—responsible for sanitation, pest control, functioning facilities, clear exits, and proper refuse disposal throughout the premises. If conditions in a lodging house fall short of these standards, residents may have grounds to raise a violation of this provision when communicating with the operator or when contacting the City of Oswego's code enforcement office to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Oswego housing law can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what local complaint processes may be available under ch. 149.
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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