Cal. Civ. Code § 29
Painting of courts and shafts
Operative Text
§ 29. Painting of courts and shafts. The exterior surface of all walls of all courts and shafts of multiple dwellings, except of outer courts opening on a street, and courts having dimensions of at least fifty percent in excess of the minimum set forth in section twenty-six, shall be of a lightcolored brick or stone, or be thoroughly whitewashed or painted a light color by the owner and be so maintained. Such whitewash or paint shall be renewed whenever necessary, as may be determined and required by the department.
New York Multiple Dwelling Law § 29 requires that the exterior wall surfaces of most courts and shafts in multiple dwellings be finished in light-colored brick or stone, or be whitewashed or painted a light color. This rule applies to enclosed courts and shafts but excludes outer courts that open onto a street and courts whose dimensions exceed the minimum size requirements by at least fifty percent. The finish must be maintained and renewed whenever the relevant city department determines it is necessary.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 29, compliant building operators generally ensure that the wall surfaces of covered courts and shafts are finished with light-colored brick, stone, whitewash, or light-colored paint at the time of construction or renovation. Operators also monitor the condition of these surfaces on an ongoing basis and arrange for repainting or re-whitewashing when the finish deteriorates or when the department issues a directive requiring renewal. Keeping records of maintenance work and department communications related to these surfaces is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Mult. Dwell. Law § 29 establishes that building owners bear responsibility for maintaining light-colored, reflective finishes on the walls of covered courts and shafts, which can affect light and air quality in adjacent units. If a tenant observes that these surfaces are severely deteriorated or darkened, that condition may constitute a violation that can be reported to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development or the relevant local housing authority. Tenants seeking to understand how this provision applies to their building may find it useful to consult a tenant-rights organization or review any open violations on record with the department.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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