Peekskill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 332 § 332-22
Vacated dwellings to be made secure
Operative Text
The owner, agent, occupant or operator of any dwelling, dwelling unit, lodging house, lodging unit, rooming house or rooming unit which has been designated as unfit for human habitation and vacated, shall make such dwelling, dwelling unit, lodging house, lodging unit, rooming house or rooming unit, safe and secure in whatever manner the chief officer of the bureau shall deem necessary. Any vacated building, open at the doors and windows, if unguarded, shall be deemed dangerous to human life and a nuisance within the meaning of this provision.
Peekskill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 332 § 332-22 establishes that once a dwelling or rooming unit has been officially declared unfit for human habitation and vacated, the responsible party must secure it in whatever way the chief officer of the bureau determines is necessary. A vacated building left open at doors or windows without a guard is automatically considered dangerous to human life and a public nuisance under this provision. The rule applies broadly to owners, agents, occupants, and operators of any type of residential structure covered by the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Peekskill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 332 § 332-22, property owners and operators whose buildings have been vacated as unfit for human habitation are generally expected to promptly board up or otherwise secure all points of entry — including doors and windows — in a manner satisfactory to the bureau's chief officer. Compliant operators typically maintain ongoing communication with the bureau to confirm that the specific security measures taken meet the officer's requirements. Leaving a vacated structure open and unguarded exposes the property to a formal nuisance designation under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Peekskill, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 332 § 332-22 is primarily directed at property owners and operators, but tenants who have been displaced from a dwelling declared unfit for habitation may have an interest in knowing that the law requires the structure to be secured. If a formerly occupied building appears to remain open and unguarded after a vacate order, residents or neighbors can report the condition to the relevant municipal bureau for follow-up. Tenant-rights organizations in Westchester County can help displaced residents understand what options may be available to them following a vacate designation.
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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