Suffern, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 162 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 162-5
Light, ventilation and heating
Operative Text
A. Window area and ventilation. (1) Every habitable room shall have at least one window which can be easily opened facing directly to outdoor open space. The minimum total window area, measured between stops, for every habitable room shall be 10% of the floor area of such room unobstructed by any portion of structure or wall less than five feet from the outside of such window. (2) The total openable window area for each habitable room shall be equal to at least 45% of the required window area. B. Screening. (1) Every outer door, openable window or other outside opening of a dwelling shall be supplied with screen doors with self-closing devices or with screens for protection against flies, mosquitoes or other insects when required by the Housing Inspector. (2) Every basement or cellar window used for ventilation and every other opening to a basement or cellar which might afford an entry for rodents shall be barred with strong screen of at least one-fourth-inch mesh or such other device as will prevent such entry, when required by the Housing Inspector. C. Electrical outlets. Every habitable room shall contain at least one floor- or wall-type electric convenience outlet and one ceiling electric lighting fixture or two electric convenience outlets, and every water-closet compartment, bathroom or hall, furnace room or laundry room shall contain at least one wall- or ceiling-type electric light fixture. Every electrical outlet and fixture shall be properly installed and maintained in good and safe working condition and connected to an approved source of electric power in a safe and approved manner. D. Public hall lighting. Every public hall and stairway in every multiple dwelling shall be lighted to at least one footcandle on the floor and stairs at all times. E. Heating facilities. Every dwelling shall have heating facilities which are properly installed and vented and maintained in safe operating condition, and all habitable rooms, bathrooms and water-closet compartments in each dwelling unit therein shall be heated to a temperature of at least 68° F. (36° C.) at a distance of 18 inches above floor level and three feet from an outside wall.
Section 162-5 of Suffern's Code of Ordinances establishes minimum standards for light, ventilation, screening, electrical service, and heating in dwellings. Every habitable room must have adequate window area and openable ventilation, proper electrical outlets and lighting fixtures, and access to heating that maintains at least 68°F in living spaces. Screening against insects and rodents is required when directed by the Housing Inspector, and common hallways in multi-unit buildings must be lit at all times.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental dwellings in Suffern should ensure that every habitable room meets the window area and ventilation thresholds set out in § 162-5, including that openable window area equals at least 45% of the required total window area. Compliant properties are equipped with the required electrical outlets and fixtures in all rooms, properly installed and vented heating systems capable of maintaining 68°F, and screens or rodent barriers installed when directed by the Housing Inspector. Public hallways and stairways in multiple dwellings are kept lit to at least one footcandle at all times as a baseline maintenance obligation under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 162-5 gives tenants in Suffern the right to habitable rooms with adequate natural light, ventilation, electrical service, and heat maintained at a minimum of 68°F during the heating season. If a dwelling falls short of these standards—such as insufficient window area, missing electrical fixtures, inadequate heat, or lack of required screening—tenants may report conditions to the Suffern Housing Inspector, who has authority to require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how to document conditions and what remedies may be available under this provision.
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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