Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-17
Interior protection
Operative Text
A. 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 maintenance of the 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; installation of drains outside the structure, if the crawl space is below surrounding grade; blocking openings in stud walls to prevent 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 shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound. Supporting structural members shall be considered to be structurally sound if such members are capable of bearing imposed loads safely and if there is no evidence of deterioration. Such protection shall consist of shoring, reinforcement or repair, where necessary, frequent destruction of termite tubes or other appropriate means. C. Chimneys and flues shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound and free from defects 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, walls and floors 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 room 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 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.
Ithaca, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 210 § 210-17 establishes interior protection standards for residential structures, covering crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys and flues, ceilings, walls, floors, and bathroom surfaces. The rule requires that these elements be kept free of moisture damage, structural deterioration, and hazardous defects, and it specifies a range of acceptable maintenance methods for each category. The provision is designed to protect both the physical integrity of buildings and the safety of their occupants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 210-17, compliant property operators routinely inspect crawl spaces for moisture and ensure adequate foundation ventilation, moisture barriers, and termite control are in place. Structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and floors are checked for deterioration or defects, with shoring, sealing, or replacement carried out as conditions warrant. Bathroom and toilet room floors receive particular attention to confirm they remain waterproof under normal use, preventing water from migrating to structural elements or ceilings below.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 210-17 gives occupants a basis to raise concerns when crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, or floors show signs of moisture damage, deterioration, or hazardous defects. Tenants who observe such conditions may document them in writing and report them to the City of Ithaca's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Local tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how this provision applies to their housing situation and what general options exist for pursuing a remedy.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.