Hornell, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 178 § 178-18
Interior protection
Operative Text
A. Crawl spaces. Crawl spaces shall be maintained free of moisture, and the flow of air from such spaces into walls above shall be effectively barred so as to prevent deterioration of structural members. Such provisions shall consist of the maintenance of openings in foundation walls to provide adequate circulation of air in the crawl space, covering the ground in the crawl space with a moisture barrier, the installation of drains outside the structure if the crawl space is below surrounding grade, blocking openings in stud walls to prevent the flow of air and moisture into walls, frequent destruction of termite tubes from the soil to wood floor members above, poison treatment of soil and other suitable means. B. Structural members. Structural members shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound. Such protection shall consist of shoring, reinforcement or repair, where necessary, frequent destruction of termite tubes or other appropriate means. C. Chimneys and flues. Chimneys and flues shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound and to prevent leakage of gases into the structure. Such maintenance shall consist of clearing flue stoppages, sealing open joints, repairing masonry where necessary and other suitable means. D. Ceilings and walls. Ceilings and walls shall be maintained so that parts which become loose or defective do not constitute a hazard to occupants. Such maintenance shall consist of removing and replacing loose or defective sections. E. Toilet rooms; bathroom floors. Toilet rooms and bathroom floors shall be maintained so as to prevent leakage of water through the floor under normal conditions of use and floor washing and the resultant deterioration or defects in structural members and ceilings below. Maintenance shall consist of repairs which effectively provide the moisture and waterproof qualities required for the particular floor.
Section 178-18 of Hornell's Code of Ordinances establishes interior structural protection standards for residential properties. The rule requires that crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys and flues, ceilings and walls, and bathroom floors all be kept in sound, safe condition. Specific maintenance methods are outlined for each element, ranging from moisture barriers and termite control in crawl spaces to waterproofing bathroom floors and sealing chimney joints to prevent gas leakage.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 178-18, compliant property operators routinely inspect crawl spaces for moisture intrusion and ensure adequate foundation ventilation, moisture barriers, and termite prevention measures are in place. Structural members, chimneys, flues, ceilings, and walls are checked and repaired as needed to remain sound and hazard-free. Bathroom and toilet room floors are maintained with appropriate waterproofing to prevent water from seeping through and damaging structural components below.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 178-18 gives occupants a basis to expect that interior structural elements — including crawl spaces, load-bearing members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and bathroom floors — are kept in safe and sound condition by the property owner. If conditions such as loose ceiling sections, leaking bathroom floors, or signs of structural deterioration are observed, tenants may document the issues and report them to the City of Hornell's code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options may be available when a landlord does not address conditions covered by this provision.
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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