Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 90-48
Interior structure
Operative Text
A. Structural members and supports. All supporting structural members of every structure shall be maintained structurally sound, with no evidence of deterioration which would render them incapable of carrying the imposed loads in accordance with the provisions of the building code used by the Village of Newark. B. Free from dampness. Cellars, basements and crawl spaces in every structure used for human habitation shall be reasonably free from dampness to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure. C. Basement, cellars and crawl spaces. All areas used in this manner shall be maintained free from accumulation of garbage, trash or excessive storage of tenants' possessions. Areas used for storage are to be separated from other areas. No storage, however, is to be permitted near the heating system or hot water heater. D. Floors, walls and ceilings. Floors, walls and ceilings of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. All wall cracks or loose plaster or paint are to be properly scraped down and filled, and all repair work is to be done in a workmanlike manner, and the surfaces are to be smooth and ready for finishing. All walls shall be kept clean and properly painted. E. Stairs and railings. Interior stairs of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound and free from defects or any obstructions. F. Handrails. Every flight of stairs which is more than four risers high shall have handrails located on both sides if stairs are open, on open side of stairs, if enclosed on one side, and one handrail on either side if stairs are enclosed on both sides. Every handrail and balustrade shall be firmly fastened and shall be maintained in good condition. G. Means of egress. Every dwelling unit and rooming unit shall have safe and unobstructed means of egress from the structure. Multiple dwellings shall have alternate means of egress. H. Halls and exit doors. All halls shall be kept free of any obstruction or storage and shall be properly lit, and shall be capable of opening without the use of a key. I. Interior doors. Every interior door and frame shall be constructed, installed and maintained so that the door shall function properly. All hinges, latches and handles shall be supplied and maintained in good order. J. Windows. See § 90-47 , Exterior structure. K. Bathroom and kitchen floors. Every toilet, bathroom and kitchen floor surface shall be constructed so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition. L. Sanitation. The interior of every dwelling and structure shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Rubbish, garbage and other refuse shall be properly kept inside temporary storage facilities as required. M. Insect and rodent harborage. The interior of every structure used for human habitation shall be free from insect, rodent and vermin infestation. N. Extermination from buildings. Every owner of a dwelling or multifamily dwelling shall be responsible for the extermination of insects, rodents, vermin, or other pests whenever infestation exists in two or more of the dwelling units, or in the shared public parts of the structure. O. Extermination from single dwelling units. The occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling or multifamily dwelling shall be responsible for such extermination within the unit occupied by him whenever his or her dwelling unit is the only unit in the building that is infested. P. Responsibility of owner. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, whenever infestation of rodents is caused by failure of the owner to maintain any dwelling or multifamily dwelling in a rodent-proof condition, extermination of such rodents shall be the responsibility of the owner. Q. Noxious fumes or odors. If there is a source of noxious fumes or odors that is generated in the same building, and enters the living quarters of any tenant, the fumes and odors shall be properly removed from the structure at the source of the odor or the source of said fumes or odors shall be removed from the structure. R. Elevators. Elevators shall be maintained in accordance with the regulation in the building code used by the Village and the latest edition of the American Standard Safety Code for Elevators. S. Incinerators. Incinerators shall be maintained in accordance with the building code used by the Village and any state and county regulations. T. Storage of flammable liquids is prohibited. No dwelling unit of any kind shall be located in any building containing any establishment handling, dispensing or storing flammable liquids with a flash point of 110° F. or lower. All cleaning supplies used in a multifamily dwelling shall be kept in a fireproof room and in proper containers.
Newark, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 90 § 90-48 establishes comprehensive interior maintenance standards for all structures used for human habitation in the Village of Newark. The rule covers a wide range of conditions—from structural soundness of load-bearing members and freedom from dampness in below-grade spaces, to cleanliness of floors, walls, and ceilings, safe egress, pest control, and the prohibition of flammable liquid storage near dwelling units. Responsibility for maintaining these conditions is shared between property owners and occupants depending on the specific condition involved, with owners bearing broader responsibility for shared spaces and building-wide pest infestations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 90-48, property owners and managers in Newark are generally expected to keep all structural elements, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, handrails, and egress paths in sound and safe condition at all times. Compliant operators routinely inspect below-grade spaces for dampness, ensure hallways remain unobstructed and properly lit, address wall cracks and loose plaster promptly in a workmanlike manner, and take responsibility for extermination whenever pests are found in two or more units or in shared common areas. Owners are also responsible for eliminating noxious fumes or odors entering tenant living quarters and for ensuring that flammable liquids are not stored in or near dwelling units except in approved fireproof rooms and containers.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 90-48 gives tenants in Newark the right to live in a dwelling with structurally sound interiors, safe stairs and egress, sanitary conditions, and freedom from pest infestation. When a building-wide pest problem exists or when structural, dampness, or sanitation issues arise in common areas, the owner—not the occupant—generally bears responsibility for remediation under this provision. Tenants who believe these standards are not being met may consider documenting conditions, notifying the landlord in writing, or filing a complaint with the Village of Newark's code enforcement office; tenant-rights organizations can also help explain available options under § 90-48.
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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