Auburn, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 182 § 182-20
Exterior protection
Operative Text
A. Exterior walls, including foundations, shall be maintained so that ground and surface water does not penetrate into basements and cellars. B. Exterior doors, windows, skylights, and similar openings shall be maintained weathertight. C. Exterior stairs, porches, entrance platforms, fire escapes, and the railings thereon shall be maintained in a safe and sound condition. D. Roofs shall be maintained in a watertight condition. E. Exterior surfaces shall be maintained in good condition. Surfaces not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative. The surface and exterior of the building shall be maintained to prevent excessive peeling and flaking of paint, the rotting of wood or other deleterious conditions. The overall surface shall at all times present a neat appearance free from excessive peeling and uniformly painted or treated in a good workmanlike manner so as not to detract from other buildings in the neighborhood.
Auburn, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 182 § 182-20 establishes standards for the upkeep of a building's exterior. It requires that walls, foundations, roofs, doors, windows, and similar elements be kept watertight and weathertight to prevent water intrusion. Stairs, porches, fire escapes, and railings must be kept structurally safe, and all exterior surfaces must be maintained in good condition—including the application of paint or other protective coatings where needed to prevent deterioration, peeling, or rot. The overall exterior must present a neat, uniform appearance that does not detract from the surrounding neighborhood.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Auburn, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 182 § 182-20, compliant property operators routinely inspect foundations and exterior walls for signs of water infiltration and address any gaps or cracks promptly. They keep roofs, windows, doors, and skylights in weathertight condition and ensure that stairs, porches, and fire escapes—along with their railings—remain structurally sound. Exterior surfaces that are not naturally resistant to deterioration are kept painted or treated with a suitable preservative, and the building's overall appearance is maintained in a neat, uniform manner consistent with the neighborhood.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 182-20 of Auburn's Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a building's exterior—including its foundation, roof, windows, doors, stairs, porches, or painted surfaces—falls into disrepair or allows water to enter. Tenants who observe such conditions may document them with photographs and dates, then report the issues to Auburn's local code enforcement or housing inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how exterior maintenance violations may be raised in housing proceedings or used to support other remedies available under local 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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