Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-28
Foundation walls
Operative Text
A. The foundation walls of every structure used for human habitation shall be maintained in good repair and be structurally sound. B. Foundation walls shall be considered in good repair and structurally sound if found free from damage or defects and capable of bearing imposed loads.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-28 establishes that foundation walls in any building used for human habitation must be kept in good repair and remain structurally sound. A foundation wall meets this standard when it is free from damage or defects and can bear the loads placed upon it. The rule applies to the entire structure, making the condition of the foundation a baseline habitability requirement under Albany's housing code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-28, property owners and managers are generally expected to conduct periodic inspections of foundation walls to identify cracks, deterioration, water intrusion, or other defects that could compromise structural integrity. Compliant operators typically document the condition of foundation walls and arrange for qualified contractors to perform repairs before damage progresses to the point where load-bearing capacity is affected. Maintaining records of inspections and completed work can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the good-repair standard set out in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Albany, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 231 § 231-28 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when foundation walls in their building show visible damage, cracking, or signs of structural compromise. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to Albany's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations in Albany can also help residents understand how a foundation defect might relate to broader habitability rights and what documentation to gather when reporting a concern.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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