Brewster, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 148-17
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 spaces, 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 of 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 grease 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 floors, 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.
Section 148-17 of Brewster, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148 establishes interior protection standards for residential structures, covering crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys and flues, ceilings and walls, and bathroom floors. The rule requires that each of these building components be kept in a condition that prevents moisture intrusion, structural deterioration, and physical hazards to occupants. It identifies specific maintenance methods—such as moisture barriers, termite tube removal, flue clearing, and waterproof floor repairs—as acceptable means of achieving compliance, though other suitable approaches may also qualify.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of properties subject to § 148-17 of Brewster's Code of Ordinances ch. 148 generally conduct routine inspections of crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and bathroom floors to identify and address deterioration before it becomes a code violation. Compliant property managers typically maintain moisture barriers in crawl spaces, address termite activity promptly, keep flues clear and joints sealed, and repair or replace loose ceiling and wall sections. Bathroom and toilet room floors are kept in a waterproof condition to prevent water from migrating into structural components below, consistent with the maintenance standards outlined in § 148-17.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 148-17 of Brewster, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 148, tenants have an interest in living spaces where crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and bathroom floors are properly maintained and free from moisture damage, structural hazards, and deterioration. If conditions such as sagging ceilings, leaking bathroom floors, blocked flues, or evidence of termite damage are present, tenants may consider documenting the issues in writing and notifying the landlord or the local code enforcement authority in Brewster. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how § 148-17 violations may be raised in housing proceedings or complaints.
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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