Mount Carmel — Ch. 12 Housing § 12-79
Stairs and porches
Operative Text
Every inside and outside stair, every porch, and every appurtenance thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may cause to be placed thereon; and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
Mount Carmel Ch. 12 Housing § 12-79 establishes that all interior and exterior stairs, porches, and their attached components must be built to safely bear the loads that ordinary use would place on them. Beyond initial construction, these structures must be continuously maintained in sound condition and good repair. The rule applies to both the structural integrity of the elements and their ongoing upkeep over time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 12-79, property owners and managers are generally expected to ensure that all stairs, porches, and related appurtenances — both inside and outside the building — are structurally sound and capable of handling normal occupant loads. Compliant operators typically conduct routine inspections of these features, address deterioration such as rotting wood, loose railings, or cracked supports promptly, and document repair work. Keeping maintenance records can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with the safe condition and good repair standards set out in this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 12-79 of Mount Carmel's housing code gives tenants a basis to expect that all stairs, porches, and their components are safe, load-bearing, and properly maintained throughout their tenancy. If a stairway or porch appears structurally unsound or in disrepair, tenants may consider documenting the condition with photographs and dates, notifying the landlord in writing, and contacting the local housing or code enforcement office to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Mount Carmel's housing code can help explain what options may be 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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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