Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-29
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 or 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, preparing masonry where necessary, and other approved means. D. Ceilings and walls, floors and stairways shall be maintained so that parts which become loose or defective do not constitute a hazard to occupants. Such maintenance shall consist of replacing or 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 washings, and resultant deterioration or defects in structural members and ceilings below. Maintenance shall consist of repairs which effectively provide the moisture resistant qualities required for the particular floor.
Schenectady, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 167 § 167-29 establishes interior protection standards for residential structures, covering crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys and flues, ceilings, walls, floors, stairways, and bathroom floors. The rule requires that these elements be kept in a condition that prevents moisture intrusion, structural deterioration, gas leakage, and physical hazards to occupants. Each subsection identifies specific maintenance methods—such as moisture barriers, termite control, flue sealing, and floor repairs—as examples of how compliance can be achieved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 167-29, compliant property operators generally conduct routine inspections of crawl spaces to ensure adequate ventilation and moisture barriers are in place, and address termite activity promptly. They also keep structural members sound through shoring or repair as needed, maintain chimneys and flues to prevent gas leakage, and repair any loose or defective sections of ceilings, walls, floors, and stairways before they become hazards. Bathroom and toilet room floors are kept moisture-resistant to prevent water from seeping through and damaging structural components or ceilings below.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 167-29 gives occupants of Schenectady rental properties a basis to expect that crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, interior surfaces, and bathroom floors are maintained in a safe and sound condition. If a tenant observes conditions such as sagging floors, crumbling walls, blocked or leaking flues, or water seeping through bathroom floors, those conditions may constitute violations of this provision. Tenants can document such conditions and explore options such as filing a complaint with the local code enforcement office or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand available remedies.
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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