Port Chester, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 197 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 197-12
Standards for interior of structure
Operative Text
A. 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. B. Structural members. Supporting structural members of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound. C. Chimneys, flues and vents. Chimneys and all flue and vent attachments thereto of every structure used for human habitation and all other flues and vents shall be structurally sound and free from defects, performing the function for which they were designed and are used. D. Stairs and railings. Interior stairs of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound and free from defects. Railings shall be provided for stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. E. 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. F. Bathroom floors. Bathroom, shower room and toilet room or compartment floors of every structure used for human habitation shall be water-resistant. G. Free from rubbish and garbage. The interior of every structure used for human habitation shall be maintained free from rubbish and garbage that might become a health, accident or fire hazard. H. Insect and rodent harborage. The interior of every structure used for human habitation shall be free from insect, rodent and vermin infestation.
Port Chester Code of Ordinances ch. 197 § 197-12 establishes a set of interior structural and sanitary standards that apply to all buildings used for human habitation. The rule covers a broad range of conditions, including moisture control in below-grade spaces, the soundness of load-bearing members, chimneys, flues, stairs, railings, floors, walls, and ceilings, as well as cleanliness requirements such as freedom from rubbish, garbage, and pest infestation. Bathroom and similar wet-area floors must be water-resistant. These standards collectively define the baseline habitability conditions that covered structures must meet.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating residential buildings in Port Chester are generally expected to conduct regular inspections of the interior conditions addressed in ch. 197 § 197-12, including below-grade moisture levels, structural components, chimney and vent integrity, stair and railing safety, and the cleanliness of all interior spaces. Compliant operators typically maintain documentation of repairs and pest-control measures to demonstrate ongoing adherence to these standards. Ensuring that bathroom and wet-area floors remain water-resistant and that all interior spaces are kept free of rubbish, garbage, and vermin infestation are among the routine maintenance obligations this section establishes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Port Chester residential buildings have an interest in knowing that ch. 197 § 197-12 sets minimum interior habitability standards covering structural soundness, moisture control, pest-free conditions, and sanitary maintenance of floors, walls, and ceilings. If conditions such as dampness, pest infestation, deteriorating stairs or railings, or accumulated rubbish appear to violate these standards, tenants may consider documenting the conditions with photographs and written records. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with the local code enforcement or housing authority, raising the violation in relevant housing proceedings, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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