§ 14-81. Interior structure.

Unless otherwise provided, no person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy, any dwelling or dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not comply with the following requirements:

(1)

Free from dampness. All the interior areas of the dwelling, including the cellar, basement and crawl space, shall be maintained reasonably free from dampness to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure.

(2)

Structural members. The supporting structural members of every dwelling or dwelling unit used for human occupancy shall be maintained in a structurally sound manner with no evidence of deterioration that would render them incapable of supporting the imposed load.

(3)

Stairs and railings. Every stair, porch, and appurtenance thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which they are subjected and shall be kept in sound condition and in good repair. In the case of stairs with four (4) or more risers, the stairway shall be equipped with a full length handrail and/or guardrail. Such handrails and guardrails shall be installed in accordance with the state building code or the state residential code.

(4)

Bathroom and kitchen floors. The floor surface of all bathrooms, kitchens and water closets shall be constructed of impervious material and maintained so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit carpeting placed over a floor impervious to water.

(5)

Sanitation.

a.

Cleanliness before occupancy. No owner shall permit any vacant dwelling unit or premises to be inhabited by new occupants unless such dwelling unit or premises are clean, sanitary and fit for human occupancy.

b.

Responsibility. The interior of every dwelling and multiple dwelling used for human habitation shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition by the occupant. The owner shall be responsible for maintaining the structure and premises thereof which he occupies and controls.

c.

No room or area of a dwelling or dwelling unit shall be so cluttered as to prevent access to egress, utilities, or mechanical components of the structure.

d.

Rubbish, refuse, and garbage. Rubbish, refuse, and garbage shall be kept inside temporary storage facilities according to the requirements of chapter 12 of this Code. The owner of every dwelling shall supply approved containers with tightly fitting covers for the temporary storage of rubbish, refuse, and garbage prior to removal.

e.

Insect and rodent harborage. Buildings used for human habitation shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. The owner of every dwelling shall be responsible for the extermination of all insects, rodents and other pests within a dwelling.

f.

Interior cabinetry. Bathroom, kitchen, and kitchenette cabinetry and countertops shall be maintained in sound condition and proper working order.

g.

Interior walls, ceilings and floors. Every interior wall, ceiling and floor shall be maintained in sound condition and in good repair. Walls shall be capable of affording privacy for the occupants. Interior walls, ceilings and trim shall be kept free from defects in painted surfaces. Defective paint is paint on surfaces which is cracking, scaling, chipping, peeling or loose. Defective paint that is suspected of containing lead levels in excess of allowable limits shall be treated or removed in accordance with established H.U.D. and E.P.A. guidelines.

(Code 1977, § 8.622; Ord. No. 2012-03, § 1, 2-21-12)