Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 121 § 121-17
Exterior protection
Operative Text
A. Foundation walls shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound and to prevent entrance of moisture, termites and vermin. Such protection shall consist of shoring, where necessary, subsoil drains at footings, grouting of masonry cracks, waterproofing of walls and joists and other suitable means. The lot shall be graded with a slight pitch so as to divert surface water away from the foundation. B. Exterior walls and wall components shall be maintained so as to prevent deterioration due to the elements and destructive insects. Such maintenance shall consist of painting, installation or repair of walls, copings and flashings, waterproofing of joints, waterproof coatings, installation or repair of termite shields, poison treatment of soil or other suitable means. C. Roofing shall be maintained in watertight condition so as to prevent leakage into the building. Such maintenance shall consist of repairs of roofing, flashings, waterproof coatings or other suitable means. In the case of a wood-shingle roof that requires renewing or replacing same, no weed shingle shall be used again as roof covering. D. All exterior stairs, porches, railing and supports shall be free of cracks, holes or imperfections that are considered unsafe, and all supports shall bear on solid footings as per the code.
Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 121 § 121-17 establishes standards for the upkeep of a building's exterior systems, including foundations, exterior walls, roofing, and outdoor stairs and porches. Foundations must resist moisture, termites, and vermin; exterior walls must be protected against weathering and destructive insects; roofs must remain watertight; and all exterior stairs, porches, railings, and supports must be free of unsafe cracks, holes, or imperfections. The provision also specifies that when a wood-shingle roof is renewed or replaced, worn shingles may not be reused as roof covering.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under ch. 121 § 121-17 generally keep foundations properly graded and sealed, maintain exterior walls with appropriate coatings or repairs, ensure roofing remains watertight, and inspect stairs, porches, and railings for structural deficiencies. Compliant operators document routine maintenance activities—such as waterproofing, grouting masonry cracks, and treating soil for termites—and address deficiencies promptly before they escalate into code violations. When replacing a wood-shingle roof, operators under § 121-17 use new materials rather than reusing worn shingles.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under ch. 121 § 121-17, tenants in Rensselaer have an interest in habitable exterior conditions, including a sound foundation, weathertight walls and roof, and safe exterior stairs and porches. If these conditions are not being maintained, tenants may consider documenting the deficiencies with photographs and written records, and can explore filing a complaint with the local code enforcement office responsible for administering ch. 121. Tenant-rights organizations in New York State can help explain available options, including how exterior maintenance failures may relate to broader habitability protections under state law.
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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