N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2027
Drainage of roofs and court yards (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. The owner of a dwelling shall grade and maintain the grading of all roofs, terraces, shafts, courts, yards, and other open spaces on the lot, and shall provide and maintain unobstructed drainage from these areas and spaces through a drain connected to a street storm-water main or combined sewer and street storm-water main. In the absence of a street storm-water main or combined sewer and street storm-water main, the department may permit the storm water from such areas to drain into a street gutter leading to a natural channel, water course, or dry well. b. The owner of a dwelling shall provide and maintain drainage from all roofs to carry off storm water, to prevent it from dripping to the ground, or from causing dampness in walls, ceilings, and open spaces. c. The department may require the owner of a dwelling to surface shafts, courts, yards, and other open spaces on the lot with concrete, and to pitch the surfaces of such areas towards a sewer-connected drain or other adequate drainage system, except that, with respect to private dwellings, the department may permit the surfacing of such areas with bituminous aggregate or other similar material. d. The owner of a dwelling may plant grass, sod, shrubs, trees and other vegetation in yards and courts, unless the department orders its removal because in its opinion such vegetation interferes with proper drainage, light, ventilation, or egress.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2027, dwelling owners are required to properly grade open areas—such as roofs, terraces, courts, yards, and shafts—and maintain unobstructed drainage systems that connect to city storm-water or combined sewer mains. Rooftop drainage must be designed to prevent storm water from dripping to the ground or causing dampness in walls and ceilings. The city's housing department retains authority to require surface improvements like concrete paving and to order the removal of vegetation that interferes with drainage, light, ventilation, or egress, though vegetation such as grass, shrubs, and trees is otherwise permitted in yards and courts.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Compliant operators under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2027 generally ensure that all roofs, terraces, courts, yards, and shafts are properly graded and that drainage systems remain clear and connected to the appropriate city sewer or storm-water infrastructure. Roof drainage systems are typically maintained so that storm water is channeled away from walls and ceilings rather than allowed to drip or pool. Property managers also monitor any vegetation planted in yards and courts to confirm it does not obstruct drainage, light, ventilation, or egress, since the department may order its removal if it does.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2027, tenants have an interest in knowing that their building's owner is legally responsible for maintaining proper drainage from roofs, yards, courts, and other open spaces to prevent dampness in walls and ceilings. If a tenant observes water intrusion, pooling, or moisture damage that may stem from inadequate drainage, these conditions may constitute housing maintenance violations that can be reported to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Tenants experiencing such conditions may also consider consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand available remedies, including how such violations might be raised in housing court proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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