Amherst, NY Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration required for
- Every non-exempt rental dwelling unit
- Issued by
- Commissioner of Building
- Standard certificate term
- Up to 3 years
- Application deadline (existing units)
- Within 90 days of effective date
- Late fee
- Registration fee doubles after 30 days
- Fine for renting unregistered
- Up to $1,500 or 15 days jail
Summary
Owners of rental housing in the Town of Amherst must obtain a rental dwelling unit registration certificate from the Commissioner of Building before renting any unit, file an application with owner and property details, and renew it at least every three years.
§ 44-3. Rental dwelling unit registration required; exemptions.
A. Registration required. No person shall allow to be occupied, or rent to another for occupancy, any dwelling unit unless the owner has first obtained either a short term rental dwelling unit registration certificate or a rental dwelling unit registration certificate as hereafter provided.
Full Breakdown
' Section 44-4(A) requires the owner of each existing non-exempt rental unit to apply within 90 days of the chapter's effective date, and requires owners of newly built units to register before initial occupancy. The application must list the owner's name, principal residence and business addresses and phone number; details for any co-owner, corporation officer or LLC member; a designated agent or management company if used; and, for pre-1978 buildings, a lead-paint awareness certification. Section 44-5 conditions issuance on a satisfactory Town inspection and current property taxes.
Under § 44-7, a standard rental registration certificate expires no later than three years after issuance, and the owner must reapply within 60 days before expiration. Section 44-3(B) exempts owner-occupied properties with two or fewer units, properties exempted by Town Board vote, certain college, university, faith-based and Section 8 housing, hotels, motels, hospitals and licensed care facilities, and units in the MFR-4a through MFR-7 zoning districts.
Violations & Fines
Renting an unregistered dwelling unit violates § 44-3 and is punishable under § 44-12(B) by a fine of up to $1,500 or imprisonment up to 15 days, or both, per offense. Section 44-12(A) also doubles the registration fee 30 days after a missed due date and adds a $75 fine if a summons issues 60 days late, and unregistered units can be ordered vacated under § 44-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do landlords have to register rental properties in Amherst?
How long does an Amherst rental registration last?
Which rentals are exempt from Amherst's registration law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Amherst
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