Rensselaer, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 121 § 121-18
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 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. F. All interior stairs, railings and treads shall be structurally sound and free of defects, and no door leading to a stair shall swing into or over said stairway unless there is a landing projecting at least 22 inches beyond the swing of the door.
Section 121-18 of Rensselaer's Code of Ordinances establishes interior protection standards for residential and other covered structures, covering crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, bathroom floors, and interior stairs. The rule requires that these elements be kept in a condition that prevents moisture intrusion, structural deterioration, gas leakage, and physical hazards to occupants. Specific maintenance methods—such as moisture barriers in crawl spaces, termite tube removal, flue clearing, and stair railing soundness—are listed as examples of acceptable compliance measures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of properties subject to § 121-18 of Rensselaer Code ch. 121 generally conduct routine inspections of crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, bathroom floors, and interior stairways to identify and address deterioration before it becomes a code violation. Compliant operators typically install and maintain moisture barriers, clear flue blockages, seal masonry joints, repair or replace loose ceiling and wall sections, and ensure that all stair railings and treads remain structurally sound. Where a door opens onto a stairway, compliant operators ensure a landing of at least 22 inches extends beyond the door's swing, as specifically required by § 121-18(F).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 121-18 of Rensselaer Code ch. 121, tenants have a right to occupy a dwelling whose crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, walls, ceilings, bathroom floors, and stairways are maintained in a safe and sound condition. If conditions such as moisture damage, loose ceiling sections, deteriorating stairs, or gas-leaking chimneys are present, tenants may report these concerns to the City of Rensselaer's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenants may also wish to document conditions in writing and consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand the full range of options available under this provision.
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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