Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-36
Referral of violations
Operative Text
Whenever it is determined that the condition of a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit or premises is in violation of any applicable code which is not provided for by this Chapter or which is provided for by a higher standard of such other law, code, ordinance or regulation, as provided in Section 12-5 , such condition or violation shall be referred to the appropriate authority.
Section 12-36 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, establishes a cross-referral mechanism for housing violations. When an inspection or review reveals that a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit, or premises falls short of a code standard that is either outside the scope of Chapter 12 or held to a higher standard by another law, ordinance, or regulation, the matter is directed to whichever authority governs that other standard. This provision ensures that no violation slips through the cracks simply because it falls under a different regulatory body's jurisdiction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Section 12-36 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, a compliant property operator generally maintains awareness that a single inspection can trigger referrals to multiple agencies if conditions implicate codes beyond Chapter 12's scope. Operators who manage dwellings, rooming houses, or related premises typically keep their properties in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal standards—not just those enumerated in Chapter 12—precisely because a referral to another authority can open a separate enforcement track. Staying current with the full range of applicable codes, as referenced in Section 12-5, is a common practice among operators seeking to avoid multi-agency scrutiny.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-36 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, means that tenants living in dwellings or rooming units are not limited to remedies under Chapter 12 alone when conditions are substandard. If an inspector finds a violation that falls under a different or stricter code, that violation is supposed to be forwarded to the appropriate authority, potentially broadening the scope of enforcement on a tenant's behalf. Tenants who believe conditions in their unit may implicate multiple codes can explore options such as contacting the relevant city or state agency, raising the violation in any applicable housing proceeding, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on how referrals under Section 12-36 might apply.
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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