Oswego, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 149 § 149-39
Building and structures
Operative Text
A. Exterior wood surfaces of buildings and structures that are not inherently resistant to deterioration shall be periodically treated with a protective coating of paint or other suitable preservative. B. Floors, walls, ceilings, furnishings and fixtures of residential buildings shall be maintained in clean and sanitary condition. C. Accessory structures shall be maintained so as to be free of conditions detrimental to safety or health.
Section 149-39 of Oswego's Code of Ordinances establishes baseline maintenance standards for buildings and structures. Exterior wood surfaces that are not naturally rot-resistant must be kept protected with paint or another suitable preservative. Interior surfaces—including floors, walls, ceilings, furnishings, and fixtures—must be kept clean and sanitary, and any accessory structures on the property must be free of conditions that pose safety or health hazards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 149-39, compliant property operators routinely inspect exterior wood surfaces and apply paint or a suitable preservative before deterioration sets in. Inside residential units, operators maintain floors, walls, ceilings, furnishings, and fixtures in a clean and sanitary state through regular cleaning and prompt repair. Accessory structures such as garages, sheds, or fences are also kept in a condition that does not create safety or health risks for occupants or neighbors.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 149-39 gives tenants a basis to expect that their building's exterior wood surfaces are protected from deterioration, that interior surfaces and fixtures are kept clean and sanitary, and that any accessory structures are free of hazards. If these conditions are not being met, tenants may document the issues and report them to Oswego's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand how to raise a violation under this provision as part of a broader habitability concern.
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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