Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-31
Inspection of dwellings
Operative Text
(a) The head of the Code Enforcement Agency shall be authorized to make or cause to be made inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, rooming units and premises in order to safeguard the health, safety, morals and welfare of the public. The head of the Code Enforcement Agency, or his designated representatives, shall be authorized to enter any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit or premises at any reasonable time during business hours or at such other times as may be necessary in an emergency for the purpose of performing his duties under this Chapter. Inspections herein authorized shall be limited to the purposes of this Chapter. (b) The Building Inspector or his designated representatives shall be authorized to make or cause to be made inspections in accordance with the purposes of this Chapter, at the request of a nonowner or nonoccupant of such dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, rooming units and premises; provided, however, that an inspection fee as determined from time to time by the Common Council is paid prior to such inspection. (c) Prior to performing any interior inspection of private property pursuant to this Chapter, the Inspector shall obtain permission for such inspection from the property owner or his authorized agent or representative. In the event that such owner or agent neglects or refuses to allow inspection, either upon initial inspection or reinspection, the Inspector shall request that the Corporation Counsel make application to a court of competent jurisdiction for a search warrant. Such application is to be made on notice to the property owner or his authorized agent or representative. In cases of public emergency, the notice requirement may be dispensed with and application made ex parte. These provisions shall apply to tenants of any premises to be inspected. (d) The Building Inspector shall promulgate, and amend as necessary, a form, entitled "Field Inspection Report," which shall indicate any violation of the provisions of this Chapter or of Chapter F of the Uniform Code found at the premises. Such report shall be completed by the Building Inspector or his/her deputy conducting the inspection at the conclusion of the inspection of the premises and shall be provided to the home owner, or his or her designated representative or agent, who is present at the time of the inspection. The report shall provide for signature by the property owner or representative or agent upon receipt of said report at the completion of the inspection of the premises.
Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-31 establishes the authority and procedures for inspecting dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, and related premises within the city. The Code Enforcement Agency and Building Inspector are empowered to conduct inspections during reasonable business hours, or in emergencies at other times, to assess conditions affecting public health, safety, and welfare. Before entering private property for an interior inspection, officials must obtain permission from the owner or their agent; if permission is refused, a court-issued search warrant must be sought. At the end of each inspection, a completed 'Field Inspection Report' documenting any violations must be provided to the property owner or their representative who is present.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-31, property owners and managers should be aware that city inspectors are authorized to enter dwellings and rooming units at reasonable times during business hours, but must first obtain the owner's or authorized agent's permission before conducting any interior inspection of private property. Compliant operators generally cooperate with inspection requests, ensure an authorized representative is available to receive the completed Field Inspection Report, and sign the report upon receipt to acknowledge delivery. If an owner or agent declines to allow an inspection, the ordinance provides that the city may seek a court-issued search warrant, with notice typically given to the owner or agent beforehand.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-31 extends inspection protections to tenants as well as property owners, meaning that the same permission and warrant requirements that apply to owners also apply when inspectors seek to enter tenant-occupied spaces. Tenants should know that a third party — such as a nonowner or nonoccupant — may request an inspection by the Building Inspector, though an inspection fee set by the Common Council must be paid before the inspection takes place. Tenants who have concerns about housing conditions or believe their rights under this provision have not been observed may consider contacting the city's Code Enforcement Agency, consulting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring other available complaint channels.
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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