Life estate issues

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? new york

I own a home in New york state, and I need to know who is responsible for violations on the home. My mother is the life estate tenant who lives in the home. I am on the mortgage note and am the remainderman. However, the town has said that I need to make renovations to the home to comply with the building code violations. Shouldn't she need to make the renovations since it is her home until her death?

It depends. It is a factual situation as to if the problem is in possession or in ownership. You haven't provided enough facts to determine. But, at the end of the day, what happens if she doesn't pay?

Your rights to the house will be affected and you may gain the property with a big old fat government lien on it. Pay them now or pay them (with penalties and interest) later. Your choice.

(Hint: Try to make a deal with mother. Court will not make this any cheaper.)