Mount Vernon, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-18
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 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. 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 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 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 repairing 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.
Section 149-18 of the Mount Vernon Code of Ordinances establishes interior structural protection standards for residential properties. The rule requires that crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and bathroom floors all be kept in sound, safe condition to prevent moisture damage, gas leakage, pest infestation, and physical hazards to occupants. Specific maintenance methods—such as moisture barriers in crawl spaces, termite tube removal, flue clearing, and waterproofing of bathroom floors—are identified as acceptable means of achieving compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 149-18 of the Mount Vernon Code, compliant property operators routinely inspect crawl spaces for moisture and install or maintain barriers, adequate foundation ventilation, and drainage as needed. Structural members are monitored for integrity, with shoring or repair performed when deficiencies arise, and termite activity is addressed promptly. Chimneys, flues, interior walls, ceilings, and bathroom floors are kept in sound condition through regular maintenance such as sealing joints, repairing masonry, removing loose sections, and ensuring waterproofing of wet-area floors.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-18 of the Mount Vernon Code gives occupants a basis to expect that crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, walls, ceilings, and bathroom floors are maintained in a safe and sound condition. If a tenant observes conditions such as moisture intrusion, loose ceiling sections, gas odors from a flue, or a leaking bathroom floor, those conditions may constitute violations of this provision. Tenants can document such conditions in writing, notify the landlord, and contact the appropriate Mount Vernon code enforcement office to request an inspection; consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help clarify 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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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