Every part of a dwelling shall be maintained
in a structurally sound condition and so as to be capable of sustaining
safely its own weight and any additional weight that may be put on
it through normal use.
A foundation wall of a dwelling shall be maintained
so as to prevent the entrance of moisture, insects and rodents. Without
restricting the generality of this section, the maintenance includes
shoring of the wall where necessary, installing subsoil drains at
the footing, grouting masonry cracks, waterproofing the wall and joints
and using other suitable means.
An exterior wall of a dwelling and its components
shall be maintained so as to prevent its deterioration due to weather
and insects and to preserve its appearance. Without restricting the
generality of this section, the maintenance includes the painting
or whitewashing, restoring or repairing of the wall, coping or flashing,
waterproofing of joints, waterproofing of the wall itself, installing
or repairing of termite shields, treating of the soil with poison
and using other suitable means.
A roof of a dwelling shall be maintained in
a water-tight condition so as to prevent leakage into the building.
Without restricting the generality of this section, the maintenance
includes repairing of the roof and flashing, applying waterproof coatings,
installing or repairing eave troughs and rainwater piping and using
other suitable means. Dangerous accumulations of snow or ice or both
shall be removed from the roof of a dwelling or an accessory building.
Windows, exterior doors and basement or cellar
hatchways shall be maintained so as to prevent the entrance of wind
and rain into the dwelling. Without restricting the generality of
this section, the maintenance includes painting, renewing rotted or
damaged doors, door frames, window frames, sashes and casing, refitting
doors and windows, weatherstripping, replacing defective door and
window hardware, reglazing and using other suitable means.
An outside or inside stair and porch appurtenant
to it shall be maintained so as to be free of holes, cracks and other
defects which may constitute possible accident hazards. Without restricting
the generality of this section, the maintenance includes repairing
or replacing treads or risers that show excessive wear or are broken,
warped or loose, and supporting structural members that are rotted
or deteriorated. A handrail and bannister shall be installed so as
to provide reasonable protection against accident or injury on an
open side of a stairway, balcony, landing or stairwell.
Every fireplace used or intended to be used
in a dwelling for burning fuel in open fires shall be maintained so
that adjacent combustible material and structural members shall not
be heated to unsafe temperatures. Without restricting the generality
of this section, the maintenance includes securing connection to a
chimney that complies with the provisions of this article, if necessary,
lining, repairing and relining with fire-resistant material and installing,
repairing and replacing the hearth.
No owner or operator shall cause any service,
facility, equipment or utility which is required to be supplied under
the provisions of this chapter to be removed from, shut off from,
or discontinued for any occupied dwelling or dwelling unit let or
occupied by him/her, except for such temporary interruption as may
be necessary while actual repairs, replacements or alterations are
in process of being made.
The owner of every multi-dwelling facility shall
maintain in operating order all elevators providing access to occupied
units on the third level or higher. No owner shall permit such an
elevator to remain out of service without notifying the Building Inspector
of the fact and without pursuing a diligent repair effort.