Elmira, N.Y., Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-452
Buildings and structures
Operative Text
(a) Exterior surfaces shall be maintained in good condition. Surfaces not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative. (b) Floors, walls, including windows and doors, ceilings and other interior surfaces shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling paint, cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood, and other defective surface conditions shall be eliminated. (c) Paint containing more than one percent of metallic lead, based on the total nonvolatile content of the paint, shall not be used to paint any interior wall, ceiling, window, door or other interior surface. Where such paint on interior surfaces is peeling, or otherwise presents a health hazard, it shall be promptly removed and the surface safely and appropriately refinished or resurfaced.
Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-452 establishes maintenance standards for both the exterior and interior surfaces of buildings. Exterior surfaces must be kept in good condition and protected with paint or a suitable preservative if they are not naturally resistant to deterioration. Interior surfaces—including floors, walls, windows, doors, and ceilings—must be kept clean and sanitary, with defects such as peeling paint, cracked plaster, and decayed wood corrected. The provision also prohibits the use of paint with more than one percent metallic lead on interior surfaces and requires prompt removal and safe refinishing wherever such paint is peeling or poses a health hazard.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-452, compliant property operators routinely inspect exterior surfaces and apply protective coatings wherever materials are not inherently weather-resistant. On the interior, operators address peeling paint, loose plaster, and decayed wood as part of regular maintenance cycles rather than waiting for conditions to worsen. Because the provision specifically restricts high-lead-content paint on interior surfaces, operators generally verify the lead content of any paint products used and arrange for safe removal and refinishing whenever existing lead-based paint is found to be peeling or otherwise hazardous.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Elmira Code ch. 8, art. V § 8-452 gives tenants a basis to expect that both exterior and interior surfaces of their dwelling are maintained in good, clean, and sanitary condition, free from peeling paint, cracked plaster, and decayed wood. The provision's prohibition on high-lead-content interior paint and its requirement for prompt removal of peeling lead-based paint are particularly relevant to households with young children or other vulnerable occupants. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to violate § 8-452 may consider documenting the issues in writing, notifying the landlord, contacting Elmira's local code enforcement office, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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