Massena, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 186 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 186-20
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 and 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, 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 floor 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 186-20 of Massena's Code of Ordinances establishes interior structural and moisture-protection standards for residential properties. The rule covers crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys and flues, ceilings and walls, and bathroom floors, requiring each to be kept in a condition that prevents deterioration, moisture intrusion, gas leakage, and physical hazards to occupants. Specific maintenance methods—such as moisture barriers, termite tube removal, flue clearing, and waterproof floor repairs—are listed as acceptable means of achieving compliance, though the rule does not limit compliance to those methods alone.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Massena should treat § 186-20 as a checklist of ongoing maintenance obligations rather than a one-time fix. Compliant property managers routinely inspect crawl spaces for moisture and termite activity, verify that structural members are sound, confirm that chimneys and flues are clear and sealed, and address any loose ceiling or wall sections before they become hazards. Bathroom and toilet room floors require particular attention under § 186-20, as waterproofing failures that allow leakage to structural members below are a direct code violation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 186-20 of Massena's Code of Ordinances, tenants have a right to occupy a dwelling whose interior structural elements—crawl spaces, load-bearing members, chimneys, walls, ceilings, and bathroom floors—are maintained in a safe and sound condition. If a tenant observes conditions such as sagging ceilings, moisture damage, crumbling chimney joints, or leaking bathroom floors, those conditions may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants can document such conditions in writing, notify the landlord, and contact Massena's local code enforcement office to request an inspection; tenant-rights organizations can also help explain available options.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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