Westbury, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 83 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 83-12
Interpretation of word "owner."
Operative Text
Whenever any person or persons shall be in actual possession of or have charge, care or control of any property within the Village of Westbury as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, operator or agent, such person shall be deemed and taken to be the owner or owners of said property within the true intent and meaning of this chapter and shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this chapter to the same extent as the record owner; and notice to any such person, or any order or decision of the Superintendent of the Building Department, shall be deemed and taken to be a good and sufficient notice, as if such person or persons were actually the record owner or owners of such property. In instances where an occupant is responsible or shares responsibility with the owner for the existence of one or more violations of this chapter, said occupant shall be deemed and taken to be an owner within the true intent and meaning of this chapter.
Section 83-12 of Westbury, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 83 broadens the legal definition of 'owner' beyond the person listed on a property deed. Anyone who exercises actual possession, charge, care, or control over a property—such as an executor, trustee, guardian, or agent—is treated as an owner for purposes of this chapter and is equally bound by its requirements. Additionally, an occupant who is responsible for, or shares responsibility for, a code violation can also be classified as an owner under this provision, making them subject to the same obligations and notices.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 83-12, property managers, agents, trustees, and similar parties who exercise control over a Westbury property are treated as owners for compliance purposes, not just the person holding title. Compliant operators ensure that anyone acting on behalf of a property—whether a management company, estate executor, or designated agent—is aware of and adheres to the requirements of ch. 83. Notices or orders issued by the Superintendent of the Building Department to any such person carry the same legal weight as if they had been delivered directly to the record owner.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 83-12 is notable for tenants because it can cut both ways: while it holds landlords' agents and managers accountable as owners, it also means that an occupant found responsible for creating or contributing to a code violation may be treated as an owner under ch. 83. Tenants who believe a property manager or agent—rather than the record owner—is responsible for a housing condition issue may find it useful to know that § 83-12 makes those parties equally bound by the chapter's requirements. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Westbury's housing code can help clarify how this provision applies to a particular housing situation.
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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