Clarkstown, NY Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Chapter 157, 'Housing Standards Applicable to Residential Premises,' applies under § 157-3 to residential buildings, one- and two-family dwellings and multiple dwellings, and their accessory structures town-wide. Section 157-12A requires at least one habitable room per dwelling unit of at least 150 square feet with a minimum 10-foot horizontal dimension, a seven-foot-six-inch ceiling height over half the floor area, kitchens of at least 60 square feet, and other habitable rooms of at least 80 square feet. Habitable space must have natural light equivalent to 8% of floor area and natural ventilation of at least 4% of floor area under § 157-12C.

Section 157-10A caps occupancy by room size: one occupant for 80 to under 120 square feet, two occupants for 120 to under 180 square feet, and three occupants for 180 square feet or more, excluding kitchens. Separately, Article IX of Chapter 157 requires every residential rental premises' owner to file a registry application with the Building Department, and § 157-65A directs the Building Inspector to conduct a biennial inspection of each registered rental unit checking compliance with Chapter 157, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.

Under § 157-65B, any violation found on that inspection report must be corrected within 10 days of issuance, and failure to do so is itself a separate violation of the chapter. Section 157-44C(3) gives the Building Inspector authority to order the vacation of any premises found unfit for human habitation, and § 157-44D lets the Inspector order immediate abatement action where a violation poses an immediate hazard. Rental units may not lawfully be leased without a current registration and inspection approval under § 157-64.