On April 10, 2019, New Paltz Village Council discussed a tenant and landlord issue that leaves residents of the town surprised when they suddenly find a stranger coming in through their door unannounced. Surprisingly so, landlords do have the right to come inside the tenant’s home but many find it to be an invasion of privacy, especially when they don’t give prior notice.

Students in New Paltz often seek off-campus housing which are much different than the comfortable living in dorms. There are many desired benefits to it like having your own personal space, amenities, and the freedom to do pretty much anything. Most of the houses close to campus are rented out to students and some are oblivious when it comes to signing a lease for a house. Many landlords do take advantage of the student’s financial situations and there are numerous cases of disputes.

The Council also discussed illegal landlord entry and evictions that has been a pressing issue for the village of New Paltz. A law is put in place to fine landlords for illegal entry where tenants would have to go to court with evidence if they want to follow through with the law. As for illegal evictions, laws are also put in place for landlords that change locks on tenants.

According to the Rights and Obligations of Landlords and Tenants of Ulster County, “Entry into the apartment by the landlord or landlord’s agent(s) must be during reasonable daytime hours, unless the tenant requests otherwise. The tenant has a reasonable expectation of privacy which the landlord needs to respect.” Unless, the property has been damaged by a fire or water leak, then the landlord and their handyman can have full access.

Luckily, the town council meetings composed of Mayor Tim Rogers, Deputy Mayor KT Tobin along with Village Trustee Dennis Young and William Murray-Wheeler proposed for a $100 fine when landlords do come in the tenant’s home without a 48-hour notice beforehand. One of the key issues is that there are very few defining clauses to the pre-existing laws when it comes to giving prior notice or a proper reason for intrusion. The council hopes this fine would eradicate a gray area in the law and protect the rights of all residents of the New Paltz community.