Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-18
Exterior protection
Operative Text
A. Foundation walls shall be maintained so as to be structurally sound and to prevent entrance of moisture, termites and vermin. Such protection shall consist of shoring where necessary, subsoil drains at footings, properly drained in manner approved by the City Engineer, grouting of masonry cracks, waterproofing of walls and joists and other suitable means. B. Exterior walls and wall components shall be maintained so as to prevent deterioration due to the elements and destructive insects. Such maintenance shall consist of painting, installation or repair of walls, copings and flashings, waterproofing of joints, waterproof coatings, installation or repair of termite shields, poison treatment of soil or other suitable means. C. Roofing shall be maintained in watertight condition so as to prevent leakage into the building. Such maintenance shall consist of repairs of roofing, flashings, waterproof coatings or other suitable means.
Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-18 establishes minimum standards for the upkeep of a building's exterior envelope, covering foundations, exterior walls, and roofing. Foundation walls must remain structurally sound and sealed against moisture, termites, and vermin; exterior walls must be maintained to resist weather damage and destructive insects; and roofs must be kept watertight to prevent interior leakage. The rule identifies acceptable maintenance methods for each component—such as waterproofing, grouting, painting, and flashing repair—while leaving room for other suitable means approved by the city.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-18, compliant property operators routinely inspect foundation walls for cracks, moisture intrusion, and signs of pest activity, addressing issues through grouting, waterproofing, or subsoil drainage as directed by the City Engineer. Exterior walls are kept in good repair through painting, flashing maintenance, and termite-shield installation or repair, while roofs are monitored and patched to remain watertight. Keeping dated maintenance records and inspection logs helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with each of the three subsections of this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-18 of the Oswego Code of Ordinances gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a foundation shows signs of moisture intrusion or pest entry, when exterior walls are visibly deteriorating, or when a leaking roof is causing interior damage. Tenants who observe these conditions may document them with photographs and written notices to the landlord, and may contact the appropriate Oswego code enforcement office to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with New York housing law can help residents understand how a violation of ch. 149 § 149-18 might be raised as a defense or used to pursue remedies in a housing proceeding.
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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