Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-92
Cellars, basements and crawl spaces
Operative Text
A. Cellars, basements and crawl spaces in every residential building shall be reasonably free from dampness to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure. B. Cross ventilation shall be provided in every basement, cellar and crawl space, consisting of at least one (1) window, opening or vent located near each corner of the structure. The aggregate ventilation area shall be not less than one (1) square foot for every one hundred (100) lineal feet of wall space or one percent (1%) of the total area of the enclosed space, whichever is greater.
Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-92 establishes two baseline standards for below-grade spaces in residential buildings. First, cellars, basements, and crawl spaces must be kept reasonably free from dampness so that moisture does not cause the structure to decay or deteriorate. Second, cross ventilation must be provided through windows, openings, or vents placed near each corner of the space, with the total ventilation area meeting a minimum calculated from either wall length or floor area, whichever yields the larger requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential buildings in Pelham should routinely inspect cellars, basements, and crawl spaces for moisture intrusion and address sources of dampness as part of ongoing maintenance under § 54-92. Compliant properties generally have functioning vents or windows positioned near each corner of every below-grade space, with aggregate ventilation area verified against the formula set out in § 54-92—at least one square foot per one hundred lineal feet of wall space or one percent of the enclosed area, whichever is greater. Keeping records of inspections, repairs, and ventilation measurements can help demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-92, tenants in residential buildings have an interest in below-grade spaces that are free from dampness and properly ventilated, as these conditions affect the structural integrity of the building. If a cellar, basement, or crawl space appears persistently damp or lacks adequate corner ventilation, tenants may consider documenting the conditions with photographs and written records. General enforcement paths can include notifying the landlord in writing, contacting the Pelham building or housing code enforcement office, or reaching out to a local 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 9, 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
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation