Frequently Asked Questions

A Rental Permit allows a home to be legally occupied by persons other than the owner. This applies to all occupants, including family members who do not pay rent. Buildings with rental units can be a single family dwelling with only one kitchen. If the home is a legal two family by way of Certificate of Occupancy, both units may be rented and neither would be required to be owner occupied, but still requires a rental permit.

Anytime someone other than the owner of a home is the primary resident, a Rental Permit is needed. This is done to ensure that all homes are safe for others to live in and that the premises have complied with all applicable code requirements.

To apply for a Rental Permit, you must fill out a Rental Permit Application and file it with the Rental Division. The following items will be required when you submit your application:

• Deed or duplicate Certificate of Title
• Detailed floor plans drawn at 1/4" = 1' scale
• Survey
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Identification
• Tax bill
• Building Permit application (if you intend to make changes to the dwelling or building)
• Fee ($200 for first unit and $50.00 for each additional unit)

An inspection date will be scheduled for a Building Inspector to inspect the rental unit for compliance with the code requirements. In some cases, a Town of Babylon Licensed Engineer report may be submitted to certify that the premises comply with all required codes. For more detailed information on these requirements, please call the Rental Division at (631) 957- 4434.

The permit requirements for rental units include:

• Smoke detectors must be placed in each bedroom, each hallway leading to a bedroom and at least one on each level of the house
• Hardwired carbon dioxide detectors must be on each level of the building
• Railings for all outside stoops in excess of 18" high
• Handrails for stairwells
• Fire-rated sheet rock for boiler areas
• Improved driveways
• No unregistered motor vehicles are allowed on the property
• Property must be in good and well maintained condition
• Storm windows
• No basement bedrooms
• Electric outlets cannot be exposed
• Tiles and grouting in bathrooms must be in good condition
• All units must have proper heat and hot water
• All Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy must be in place and up to date
• House or building address number must be visible

For more detailed information on these requirements, please call the Rental Division at (631) 957- 4434.