Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-119
Maximum occupancy; minimum space
Operative Text
No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any dwelling unit that does not comply with the following requirements: A. A dwelling unit in a multiple dwelling shall not be occupied by more than one (1) family, plus two (2) occupants unrelated to the family, except for guests or domestic employees. B. The owner, or his agent, shall advise the occupants, in writing, of the maximum number of occupants permitted in the dwelling unit. C. Every dwelling unit shall contain at least five hundred (500) square feet for occupancy by three (3) or fewer people, plus an addition of one hundred (100) square feet for each occupant in excess of three (3) persons. D. At least one (1) room shall have a minimum width of ten (10) feet. E. Every habitable room shall have a minimum ceiling height of seven (7) feet six (6) inches throughout, except that not more than fifty percent (50%) of attic or half-story areas may have a lower sloping ceiling with a minimum height of five (5) feet.
Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-119 sets out the occupancy and space standards that every dwelling unit must meet. A unit in a multiple dwelling may house one family plus up to two unrelated occupants, not counting guests or domestic employees. Minimum floor area starts at 500 square feet for up to three occupants and grows by 100 square feet for each additional person, while rooms must meet specific width and ceiling-height requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 54-119, compliant operators in Pelham ensure that no unit is rented or occupied beyond the family-plus-two-unrelated-occupants limit and that the unit's square footage meets the per-occupant minimums before a new tenancy begins. Owners or their agents are specifically required by this section to notify occupants in writing of the maximum permitted number of residents for their unit. Routine checks that at least one room is at least ten feet wide and that all habitable rooms reach the 7-foot-6-inch ceiling-height standard (with the limited attic exception) are part of maintaining compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-119 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances gives occupants a right to live in a unit that meets minimum size and space standards, and entitles them to written notice from the owner or agent stating the maximum number of permitted occupants. If a unit appears to fall short of these requirements—such as inadequate square footage or improper occupancy limits—tenants may consider documenting the conditions and reaching out to Pelham's local code enforcement or housing authority to report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how these standards apply and what general options exist for addressing noncompliance.
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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