Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 121 § 121-91
Responsibilities of occupants
Operative Text
Occupants of dwelling units shall be responsible for compliance with the housing standards in regard to the following: A. Limiting occupancy of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls to the maximum permitted by the housing standards. B. Maintenance of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls in a clean, sanitary and safe condition. C. Maintenance of all plumbing, cooking and refrigeration fixtures and appliances, as well as other building equipment and storage facilities in that part of the premises which he occupies or controls, in a clean and sanitary condition and providing reasonable care in the operation and use thereof. D. Keeping exits from his dwelling unit clear and unencumbered. E. Disposal of garbage and refuse into provided facilities in a clean and sanitary manner. F. Extermination of insects, rodents or other pests within his dwelling unit if his unit is the only one infested in the premises. G. Hanging and removing required screens. H. Keeping his domestic animals and pets in an appropriate manner and under control.
Section 121-91 of Rensselaer's Code of Ordinances places a set of housing-standard obligations directly on the occupants of dwelling units, rather than on landlords or property owners. These responsibilities cover a broad range of day-to-day conditions, including keeping the unit clean and safe, maintaining plumbing and appliances properly, keeping exits clear, disposing of garbage appropriately, handling pest control when only the occupant's unit is affected, managing screens, and controlling pets. The rule draws a clear line: occupants are accountable for the conditions within the space they occupy or control.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 121-91, the occupant—not the property owner—bears responsibility for a defined set of conditions within the rented space, which can be relevant when evaluating the source of a code violation. Compliant operators typically document the condition of a unit at move-in and move-out, maintain lease clauses that reference tenant obligations consistent with local housing standards, and keep records of any notices sent to occupants regarding maintenance or sanitation concerns. When a violation is cited, operators generally review whether the condition falls within the occupant-responsibility categories listed in § 121-91 or within the owner's own obligations under the broader code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 121-91 establishes that tenants are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and proper use of the portion of the premises they occupy or control, including keeping exits clear, disposing of refuse properly, and managing pest issues that are isolated to their own unit. Tenants should be aware that these obligations exist alongside—not instead of—any duties the landlord or property owner may have under other sections of Rensselaer's housing code. If a dispute arises about who is responsible for a particular condition, tenants may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Rensselaer's Code of Ordinances to understand how § 121-91 interacts with other applicable provisions.
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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