Hempstead, NY Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Town Code § 99-13 makes it unlawful for any owner to use, let, lease, rent or permit occupancy of a dwelling unit by someone other than the owner without a valid rental occupancy permit; failure to obtain one is itself a violation. The permit belongs only to the property owner, is not transferable, and a new owner must re-register within 30 days of closing title or the property is presumed to be an illegal rental. Applications go to the Town of Hempstead Department of Buildings under § 99-14 and must include the owner's identifying information, proof of residency, the Nassau County Tax Map section/block/lot, a floor plan, occupancy count, a certified deed, a certificate of occupancy, and a property survey.

Owners based outside Nassau County must designate a local agent for service of process. Fees under § 99-13(E) run a nonrefundable $300 application fee credited toward a $500 permit fee for one unit ($200 for each added unit), with a $450 nonrefundable renewal fee ($200 per added unit); a late registration draws a penalty of twice the normal fee, prorated for the overdue period. Section 99-15 conditions issuance on compliance with the Town Code, the Building Zone Ordinance, the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and Nassau County sanitary and housing rules; § 99-16 requires the Code Enforcement Official to inspect before issuance. Residential care facilities established under federal or state guidelines are exempt under § 99-14(B).