Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-64
Defacing or removing placard prohibited
Operative Text
No person shall deface or remove the placard from any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit which has been designated as unfit for human habitation, except as provided in Section 12-63 .
Section 12-64 of Poughkeepsie's Code of Ordinances prohibits anyone from defacing or removing an official placard that has been posted on a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, or rooming unit that has been declared unfit for human habitation. The only exception to this prohibition is the process outlined in Section 12-63, which governs when and how such a placard may lawfully be removed. The placard serves as a public notice of the property's condemned or unfit status, and tampering with it is a violation of local law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-64 should be aware that once a dwelling or unit has been officially placarded as unfit for human habitation, neither they nor anyone acting on their behalf may remove or deface that placard outside the process established by Section 12-63. Compliant operators generally allow the placard to remain visibly posted until the property has been brought into compliance and the placard is removed through the proper official channel. Attempting to remove or obscure the placard prematurely—regardless of intent—constitutes a violation of this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-64, tenants and other occupants have an interest in knowing that a placard marking a dwelling or unit as unfit for human habitation is legally protected from being defaced or removed by anyone, including a landlord, except through the official process in Section 12-63. If a placard appears to have been tampered with, defaced, or removed without authorization, that may be reportable to the appropriate local code enforcement or housing authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Poughkeepsie's housing code can help explain what options are generally available when this type of violation is observed.
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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