Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-21
Right of entry
Operative Text
A. The Enforcement Officer and the Assistant Enforcement Officers shall be authorized to enter any structure or premises at any reasonable time, upon display of proper identification, for the purpose of making inspections and performing duties under this code. B. If admission is refused or cannot be obtained from any owner, occupant or operator of a residential structure, the Enforcement Officer and the Assistant Enforcement Officers shall be authorized to obtain a court warrant to make an inspection, provided that reasonable or probable cause is shown. C. In case of an emergency, the Enforcement Officer and the Assistant Enforcement Officers may, without a court warrant, enter any premises or parts of premises to inspect at any time without the permission of the owner, occupant or operator.
Section 54-21 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances establishes when and how housing enforcement officials may enter residential properties. Under normal circumstances, the Enforcement Officer and Assistant Enforcement Officers may enter at reasonable times after showing proper identification. If entry is denied, they must obtain a court warrant supported by reasonable or probable cause — except in emergencies, where warrantless entry is permitted at any time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 54-21, compliant property owners and managers generally cooperate with Enforcement Officers who present proper identification during reasonable hours, as this is the standard inspection pathway. If access is refused, the code authorizes officials to seek a court warrant, which can lead to a more formal inspection process. Operators who maintain accessible records and respond promptly to scheduled inspection requests tend to keep the process straightforward.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-21 sets boundaries on when officials may enter your home: ordinarily, they must show identification and arrive at a reasonable time, and if denied entry they need a court warrant. Tenants who believe an entry was conducted improperly — outside these conditions and without an emergency justification — may raise that concern with local housing authorities or a tenant-rights organization familiar with Pelham's ordinances. Understanding these entry rules can help residents recognize what a lawful inspection looks like under this provision.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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