Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-105
Stairs and railings
Operative Text
Interior stairs of every structure used for human habitation shall be structurally sound and free from defects. Railings shall be provided for balconies, landings and stairwells. Stairwells shall have handrails on at least one side. Treads or risers that are broken, warped or loose shall be repaired. Stairs shall be securely fastened to supporting structural members and shall be capable of supporting normally imposed loads. Properly balustraded railings, capable of bearing normally imposed loads, shall be placed on the open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells. Stairs in multiple residences shall comply with applicable sections of the Multiple Residence Law .
Under Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-105, interior stairs in any residential structure must be structurally sound, securely fastened, and free from defects such as broken, warped, or loose treads and risers. Railings and properly balustraded guards capable of bearing normal loads are required on balconies, landings, and stairwells, with handrails on at least one side of every stairwell. Buildings classified as multiple residences must also meet the relevant requirements of New York's Multiple Residence Law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to § 12-105 generally maintain a routine inspection schedule for all interior stairs, promptly repairing or replacing any broken, warped, or loose treads and risers. Compliant operators ensure that balconies, landings, and stairwells are equipped with properly balustraded railings secured to structural members and rated to bear normally imposed loads. Owners of multiple-residence buildings also verify that stair conditions satisfy the applicable sections of the New York Multiple Residence Law referenced in § 12-105.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-105 of the Poughkeepsie Code of Ordinances gives residents the right to interior stairs and railings that are structurally sound and free from hazardous defects. If stairs, handrails, or balcony railings appear broken, loose, or otherwise non-compliant, tenants may report the condition to the City of Poughkeepsie's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and require repairs. Tenant-rights organizations in the Hudson Valley region can also help residents understand available options, including raising a housing-code violation as a defense in certain legal proceedings.
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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