Cal. Civ. Code § 243
Cellar and basement stairs in fireproof tenements
Operative Text
§ 243. Cellar and basement stairs in fireproof tenements. In fireproof tenements erected after April eighteenth, nineteen hundred twelve, the cellar and basement stairs shall be located, arranged and constructed as provided in section one hundred six for fireproof dwellings erected after April eighteenth, nineteen hundred twenty-nine.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 243 governs how cellar and basement stairways must be positioned, laid out, and built in fireproof tenements that were constructed after April 18, 1912. Rather than setting out independent requirements, the provision incorporates by reference the stairway standards established under section 106 for fireproof dwellings built after April 18, 1929. The effect is that these older tenement buildings are held to a specific structural and safety standard for below-grade stair access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners and managers of fireproof tenements erected after April 18, 1912 generally ensure that cellar and basement stairs conform to the location, arrangement, and construction standards cross-referenced in N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 243. A compliant operator typically reviews the requirements of section 106 when planning any renovation, alteration, or inspection of below-grade stairways in such buildings. Maintaining documentation that stairway configurations meet those incorporated standards is a common practice when preparing for building inspections or responding to code inquiries.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants residing in fireproof tenements built after April 18, 1912 may have an interest in knowing that N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 243 sets structural standards for cellar and basement stairs in their building. If a stairway appears unsafe or non-compliant, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the New York City Department of Buildings or the relevant local housing authority, or raising the condition through a housing court proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how this provision may relate to conditions in their building.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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