Watervliet, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 175 § 175-10
Responsibilities of occupants
Operative Text
Occupants of dwelling units shall be responsible for compliance with this chapter in regard to the following: A. Limiting occupancy of that part of the premises which he occupies or controls to the maximum permitted by this chapter. 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 175-10 of Watervliet's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 175, places a set of housing maintenance responsibilities directly on the occupants of dwelling units rather than on property owners. These responsibilities cover a broad range of conditions, including keeping the occupied space clean and safe, maintaining plumbing and appliances properly, keeping exits clear, disposing of garbage sanitably, controlling pests when only their unit is affected, managing screens, and keeping pets under control. The rule also requires occupants to stay within the maximum occupancy limits set elsewhere in Chapter 175.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 175-10, a compliant property owner or manager generally understands that certain day-to-day maintenance obligations shift to tenants by operation of this ordinance, which can be relevant when evaluating lease terms and condition-of-premises disputes. Operators typically document unit conditions at move-in and move-out to establish a baseline record of whether occupants met their Chapter 175 obligations. Landlords also commonly ensure that garbage disposal facilities and required screens are provided, since § 175-10 places the duty of use and installation on occupants only once those facilities exist.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 175-10 of Watervliet Code Chapter 175 outlines specific upkeep duties that fall on you as an occupant, separate from whatever obligations your landlord carries under other parts of the chapter. Understanding where your responsibilities end and your landlord's begin can be important if a housing inspection or dispute arises, and tenant-rights organizations in New York can help clarify how these duties interact with state habitability law. If you believe a condition in your unit stems from a landlord obligation rather than one listed in § 175-10, you may have options such as filing a complaint with the local code enforcement office or raising the issue as a defense in a housing proceeding.
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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