Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 190 § 190-100
Light in stairs, halls and basements
Operative Text
A. General requirements. Every stair, hall, cellar and basement located in a structure used for human habitation shall have either adequate natural or artificial light available at all times. B. Rules and regulations. The natural or artificial lighting available shall not be less than three footcandles (three lumens), measured in the darkest portions of normally traveled passageways and stairs.
Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 190 § 190-100 establishes that every stairway, hallway, cellar, and basement in a residential building must have adequate lighting—natural or artificial—available at all times. The rule sets a measurable floor: light levels must reach at least three footcandles (three lumens) when measured at the darkest points of normally traveled passageways and stairs. This standard applies continuously, not just during certain hours, and covers the full range of common interior circulation spaces in any structure used for human habitation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 190 § 190-100, compliant residential property operators generally ensure that all stairways, hallways, cellars, and basements maintain a minimum of three footcandles of illumination at all times, including in the darkest sections of those spaces. Operators typically conduct routine inspections of lighting fixtures, replace burned-out bulbs promptly, and verify that natural light sources are not obstructed in ways that would drop levels below the required threshold. Keeping maintenance logs and using a light meter to periodically confirm footcandle readings in passageways and stairwells are practices commonly associated with ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Newburgh, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 190 § 190-100 gives residents of any structure used for human habitation the right to expect adequately lit stairways, hallways, cellars, and basements—at a minimum of three footcandles in the darkest traveled areas—at all times. If lighting in these spaces falls below that standard, tenants may document the condition (for example, with photographs or a light-meter reading) and report the issue to the City of Newburgh's code enforcement or building inspection office. Tenant-rights organizations in the Hudson Valley region can also help residents understand what options exist, including raising a code violation as part of a housing complaint process.
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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