Southold, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 207 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 207-5
Inspections
Operative Text
A. No permit shall be issued under any application unless the rental dwelling unit has a valid certificate of occupancy or precertificate of occupancy. B. The Code Enforcement Official is authorized to make or cause to be made inspections, to determine the condition of dwellings and to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The Code Enforcement Official or his designated representative is authorized to enter the subject premises upon the consent of the owner. C. Search without warrant restricted. Nothing in this chapter, except for provisions concerning emergency inspections, shall be deemed to authorize the Code Enforcement Official or his authorized representative to conduct an inspection of any premises subject to this chapter without the consent of the owner of the premises or without a warrant duly issued by an appropriate court. D. Conflict with other chapters or law. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to negate the authority for inspections pursuant to any other section of law or court-ordered inspection. E. Presumption of rent. Any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming unit or any other premises subject to this chapter shall be presumed to be rented for a fee and a charge made if said premises are not occupied by the legal owner thereof. This presumption shall be rebuttable.
Southold Code ch. 207 § 207-5 establishes the framework for inspecting rental dwelling units in the Town of Southold. A rental permit cannot be issued unless the unit already holds a valid certificate of occupancy or precertificate of occupancy. The Code Enforcement Official has authority to inspect dwellings to protect public health, safety, and welfare, but — outside of emergencies — may not enter a property without either the owner's consent or a court-issued warrant. Any dwelling not occupied by its legal owner is presumed to be rented for a fee, though that presumption can be challenged.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Southold Code ch. 207 § 207-5, compliant rental property operators ensure that each dwelling unit carries a valid certificate of occupancy or precertificate of occupancy before seeking a rental permit. Operators who understand this provision are generally aware that the Code Enforcement Official may request entry to conduct an inspection, and that outside of emergency circumstances, entry requires either the owner's consent or a valid warrant. Keeping occupancy documentation current and maintaining open communication with the Code Enforcement Office are practices commonly associated with smooth permit processing under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Southold Code ch. 207 § 207-5 provides that the Code Enforcement Official is authorized to inspect rental dwellings to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of occupants. Tenants living in a unit that lacks a valid certificate of occupancy may have grounds to raise that deficiency in relevant proceedings, since no permit should have been issued under this section without one. Tenants who have concerns about the condition of their dwelling or the validity of their unit's occupancy status may consider contacting the Southold Code Enforcement Office directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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