Riverhead, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 263 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 263-11
Authorization for inspections
Operative Text
The Code Enforcement Official is authorized to make, or cause to be made, inspections to determine the condition of rental dwelling units to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the public. The Code Enforcement Official is authorized to enter, upon consent of the owner if the unit is unoccupied, or upon consent of the occupant if the unit is occupied, any rental dwelling unit and the premises in which the same is located, at any reasonable time during daylight hours, or at such other time as may be necessary in an emergency, without consent of the owner, authorized agent and/or tenant for the purpose of performing his duties under this chapter.
Section 263-11 of Riverhead's Code of Ordinances authorizes the Code Enforcement Official to inspect rental dwelling units in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare. For occupied units, the occupant's consent is generally required before entry; for unoccupied units, the owner's consent applies. In genuine emergencies, the Code Enforcement Official may enter without consent at any time, while routine inspections are limited to reasonable daylight hours.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 263-11, compliant rental property operators in Riverhead generally cooperate with scheduled inspections during daylight hours and provide consent for entry when a unit is unoccupied. Keeping units in code-compliant condition reduces the likelihood that inspections reveal violations requiring corrective action. Operators typically maintain clear lines of communication with the Code Enforcement Official and ensure that any authorized agents are aware of the inspection authorization framework established by this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 263-11 establishes that, for occupied rental units, the Code Enforcement Official ordinarily needs the occupant's consent before entering during a routine inspection. Tenants who believe an entry occurred without proper consent or outside the conditions permitted by this provision may consider documenting the circumstances and reaching out to Riverhead's Code Enforcement office or a local tenant-rights organization for information about available options. Understanding the consent requirements under § 263-11 can help tenants recognize when an entry may not have followed the procedures this chapter outlines.
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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