Spring Valley, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 192 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 192-3
BuildingsBuildings and structures
Operative Text
A. Exterior wood surfaces. 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 and ceilings. Floors, walls, ceilings, furnishings and fixtures of residential buildings shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. C. Accessory structures. Accessory structures shall be maintained so as to be free of conditions detrimental to safety or health. D. Interior surfaces of multifamily dwellings. The interior surfaces of walls throughout every part of every multifamily dwelling, whether in public or in tenant-occupied parts, shall be painted, prepared or paneled and the ceilings kalsomined or painted at the owner's expense. The walls and ceilings shall be repainted or repapered by the owner whenever necessary to keep said surfaces in a sanitary condition, in the opinion of the Building Inspector and inspectors and/or assistants, but in a case of surfaces which are to be renovated by painting or by a similar technique, such renovation shall be performed at least once during any three-year period, unless sooner required by the Building Department in the manner set forth hereinabove. No wallpaper or similar wall covering shall be placed upon such a wall or ceiling surface unless all existing wallpaper or wall covering shall be first removed therefrom and such wall or ceiling thoroughly cleaned and repaired.
Spring Valley Code ch. 192 § 192-3 establishes maintenance standards for buildings and structures covering exterior wood surfaces, interior floors, walls, ceilings, and accessory structures. Exterior wood that is not naturally rot-resistant must be periodically coated with paint or a suitable preservative. In multifamily dwellings specifically, interior walls and ceilings must be painted, paneled, or otherwise finished at the owner's expense, and that work must be redone at least once every three years—or sooner if the Building Inspector determines sanitary conditions require it. Before new wallpaper or wall covering is applied, all existing covering must be fully removed and the surface cleaned and repaired.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in Spring Valley should be aware that § 192-3 places affirmative maintenance obligations on owners, not tenants. For multifamily buildings, owners are expected to repaint or refinish interior wall and ceiling surfaces on a cycle not exceeding three years, and to respond promptly when the Building Inspector determines that conditions require earlier action. Before applying any new wallpaper or wall covering, compliant practice under § 192-3 involves stripping all existing material and thoroughly cleaning and repairing the underlying surface first.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Spring Valley Code ch. 192 § 192-3, tenants in multifamily dwellings have a right to interior walls and ceilings that are maintained in a sanitary, finished condition at the owner's expense. If surfaces appear deteriorated, unpainted, or covered with layers of old wallpaper that have not been properly removed, this provision may be relevant to a housing complaint filed with the Spring Valley Building Department. Tenants who believe these standards are not being met may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available to them.
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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