Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-147
Basement dwelling units
Operative Text
Dwelling units and rooming units located in a basement shall meet all the requirements of this Code, and the floors and outside walls shall be dampproof. The outside walls shall be dampproofed in an acceptable manner.
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-147, any dwelling or rooming unit situated in a basement must satisfy all applicable requirements of the City's housing code, with the additional specific requirement that floors and exterior walls be dampproofed. The dampproofing of outside walls must be carried out in a manner deemed acceptable under the code. This rule addresses the particular moisture risks associated with below-grade living spaces.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Poughkeepsie who rent basement dwelling or rooming units must ensure those units comply with the full range of requirements in ch. 12 of the City Code, including the dampproofing standards set out in § 12-147. Compliant operators typically document the dampproofing methods used on floors and exterior walls and ensure those methods meet an acceptable standard under the code. Routine inspections of basement units for moisture intrusion, wall seepage, and floor dampness are a common part of maintaining compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in basement dwelling or rooming units in Poughkeepsie have the right to housing that meets all city code requirements, including the dampproofing standards established under § 12-147. If floors or exterior walls show signs of moisture problems—such as seepage, mold, or dampness—this may indicate a code violation that can be reported to the appropriate city housing or code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in the area can help residents understand what options are generally available when a basement unit does not meet these standards.
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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