City of Syracuse Code of Ordinances

Rental properties need to be rented in a manner that is consistent with the legal number of dwelling units in the property.

Dwelling Unit

A “dwelling unit” refers to a residential unit that is intended for use by a single family. When rented as individuals and not together as a family the following requirements apply.

• No more than five unrelated persons over the age of 18 are allowed to share a dwelling unit.
• They must occupy the dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit.
• If a dwelling unit is not rented appropriately, as a single housekeeping unit, it may be functioning as a rooming or boarding house. These types of properties are generally prohibited in City of Syracuse residential zones.

Single Housekeeping Unit

Tenants must share the entire dwelling as a “single housekeeping unit” for living, cooking, eating and sleeping. This means all residents must have access to the entire dwelling in the way that members of a family would, in addition to:

• cooking equipment is not allowed in bedrooms;
• exterior locks are not allowed on bedroom doors;
• bedrooms cannot be leased individually;
• spaces intended for the enjoyment of all occupants, such as living rooms, dining rooms and porches, cannot be converted into bedrooms.

Legally Habitable Rented Space

All rented space must be legally habitable. Landlords and property managers may not rent spaces such as attics, porches or basements without required permits, certifications, inspections or other required approvals to convert the rented space into a legally habitable space. The City of Syracuse generally requires two separate stairways between an attic rental space and the first floor or a fire escape. Renting of such spaces without approval is dangerous and may subject the property owner to potential litigation from tenants in addition to enforcement actions from the City of Syracuse.

Fire Protection

One and two-family dwelling units are required to have working smoke detectors in sleeping and common areas. These detectors are to be tested annually by the owner/landlord.

Parking

For one and two-family dwellings, a parking space is generally required for each dwelling unit. Parking on the grass is prohibited.

• Certificates of Suitability: Generally, a Certificate of Suitability is required before any certificate or building permit will be issued by the City of Syracuse Division of Code Enforcement for non-owner-occupied residential properties. This is to ensure construction and use is appropriate for the area within the city the property is to be located.
• Rental Registry Certificate: It is illegal to rent non-owner-occupied one and two-family dwellings without a valid Rental Registry Certificate on file with the City of Syracuse. Tenants should ask to see a valid Rental Registry Certification from potential property managers/landlords prior to signing a lease.
• Certificates of Compliance: Properties that contain three or more family dwelling units, and buildings that combine residential and commercial tenants, must have a valid Certificate of Compliance on file with the City of Syracuse. Tenants should ask to see a valid Certificate of Compliance from potential property managers/landlords prior to signing a lease.

• Accumulating Garbage, Littering, Dumping: It is prohibited for owners or tenants to deposit, accumulate, collect or allow the following to be deposited, accumulated or collected on their property: garbage, rubbish, waste mater, filth or any similar substance. Littering or dumping on any public property, public right of way or private property is prohibited.
• Grills, Barbecues: Per New York State, open flame cooking sources (including charcoal and gas grills) may not be used on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, with exceptions for one and two-family dwellings. Additional fire safety precautions include moving grills 20 feet from your home and other combustible construction.
• Noise: The City of Syracuse’s Noise Ordinance covers a variety of issues resulting in unnecessary noise. This includes loudspeakers, public address systems and sound reproduction (e.g., instruments, speakers, television, amplifiers, squealing tires, etc.). A general rule to follow is that noise that crosses property lines is prohibited. Learn more the City of Syracuse Noise Control Ordinance.
• Nuisance Party: A nuisance party is a social gathering on either public or private property where one or more of the following behaviors occur: disorderly conduct; unlawful possession of an open container; outdoor urination or defecation in a public space; unlawful sale, furnishing, dispensing or consumption of an alcoholic beverage; sale or furnishing an alcohol beverage to an underage person; possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage by an underage person; unlawful possession, sale or use of a controlled substance; unlawful deposit of litter or refuse; damage to or destruction of property without the consent of the property owner; unlawful pedestrian or vehicular traffic; standing or parking of vehicles that obstructs the free flow of traffic on public streets and sidewalks or that impedes the ability to render emergency services; or unlawful loud noise.
• Open Containers: Open containers of alcoholic beverages on city streets and sidewalks is prohibited. Any alcohol on city streets and sidewalks must be in the manufacturer’s sealed container and only be in possession of someone 21 years of age or older.
• Parking: Parking on city streets has its own unique challenges and requirements for tenants. Please see City of Syracuse Parking Rules for more detailed information.
• Pets: The City of Syracuse requires your pet to be on a leash unless fenced in on your property, and that you clean up after your pet. Learn more on the City of Syracuse Dog Resources and visit the City Clerk Licenses webpage to register a dog.

SYRCityline

Available for free in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and as a web portal, SYRCityline allows users to complete service requests and report concerns including but not limited to street lights, traffic signals, excessive yard waste and more.

City of Syracuse Contact Information