Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-19
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 stub 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 149-19 of Oswego's Code of Ordinances establishes interior protection standards for residential structures, covering crawl spaces, structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and bathroom floors. The rule requires that these elements be kept in a condition that prevents moisture intrusion, structural deterioration, gas leakage, and physical hazards to occupants. Specific maintenance methods are outlined for each area, such as moisture barriers in crawl spaces, termite tube removal, flue clearing, and waterproofing of bathroom floors.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 149-19, compliant property operators routinely inspect crawl spaces for moisture and ensure adequate foundation ventilation, ground-level moisture barriers, and blocked stub-wall openings. Structural members, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and bathroom floors are checked on a regular basis, with repairs—such as shoring, masonry sealing, and floor waterproofing—carried out before defects become hazards. Keeping records of inspections and completed maintenance work is a common practice among operators managing properties subject to this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-19 gives occupants of Oswego rental properties a basis to expect that crawl spaces, structural components, chimneys, ceilings, walls, and bathroom floors are kept free of moisture damage, structural defects, and gas-leakage risks. If conditions such as sagging ceilings, leaking bathroom floors, or deteriorating structural members are observed, tenants may report these concerns to the City of Oswego's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations can also help occupants understand what documentation to gather and what general options may be available when interior protection standards are not being met.
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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