BOCA National Property Maintenance Code, 1996

In 1996, Columbia adopted the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code as the standards which every dwelling must meet. The code, enforced by the Public Works Department, is available to the public at the Office of Protective Inspection on the 2nd floor of the Daniel Boone Building, 701 E. Broadway, and the Columbia Public Library.

During the adoption process, amendments were made to the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code.  These amendments may be viewed with the
National Code in the Office of Protective Inspection.  Tenants should be familiar with these regulations. Your dwelling must meet these standards. It is the landlord’s responsibility to insure that the property meets these standards both before you move in and during your tenancy. If you find violations after you move in and your landlord refuses to correct them, call the Public Works Department or BCT.

What can the code do for you? See the section on repairs.

The code requires landlords to provide and maintain the following environmental conditions (PM3O1-PM707). The numbers in parentheses indicate the section requiring the standard (based on the 1996 code).

• Roofs, foundations and walls must be in good repair and keep out rodents, rain and dampness. (PM-304.5-304.7)

• Windows and exterior doors must be tight and substantially keep out wind and rain. Door must have lock and door hardware and must be in good condition. Windows designed to be opened must be able to open.
(PM-304. 14-304.16)

• Windows and exterior doors must have screens from April 1 through October 15. Screens are not required if air conditioning is provided. (PM-304. 15)

• Interior and exterior stairs must be maintained in sound condition and good repair, and comply with the provisions of
PM-702.9. (PM-304. 10 and 305.5-305.6)

• Interior walls, ceilings and floors must be in good repair. (PM-305.3)

• Each dwelling unit must have access to a toilet and bath or shower. (PM-503. 1)

• Building must have hot and cold running water. (PM-506.1) Hot water supply must be able to deliver water at least 110 degrees
F. (PM-506.4)

• Heating system must work safely and properly, maintaining 65 degrees F in all habitable rooms. (PM-602 .2)

• A minimum of one smoke detector must be present on each floor. (PM-705.5)

• Must have garbage disposal or outside garbage can. (PM.306.3.1)
• Plumbing and sewer system must be in working order and free from obstructions and leaks. (PM-505.land 507.2)

• There are various space and ceiling height requirements. (PM-405.1-405. 10)

• Stairways of four or more steps must have a handrail. (705.9)

• The supporting structural members of every building shall be maintained structurally sound and must be able to carry the imposed loads. (305.2)

• Building and exterior property must be free from rat infestation. (PM-303.5 and 307.1) Owner must exterminate if infestation occurs in shared or public parts of the dwelling, and prior to renting or leasing the structure. Occupant is responsible for keeping the structure rat-free, for extermination in private parts of the dwelling, and after renting or leasing the structure.

• Occupants must have access to a safe, unobstructed means of reaching ground level. On or above the 2nd floor, must have two independent exits. (PM-702.3)

• Lighting requirements vary. (PM-403.1-403.3)

• Must have electricity. Electrical system
must be in safe, working condition. (PM-
604. 1-605.3)

• Building must have adequate ventilation.
(PM-404.1-404.5)

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OCCUPANTS

- Must maintain clean, sanitary conditions in dwelling unit. (PM-305.1)

- Must dispose of all rubbish in an approved, clean and sanitary manner. (PM306.2)

- Must replace light bulbs and smoke detector batteries if they malfunction during occupancy.

ROOMING HOUSE

- Must meet code standards. Must have adequate toilet, lavatory and bath facilities. Sleeping rooms must have at least 70 sq. feet of floor area, or if more than one occupant, 50 sq. feet for each occupant.
(PM-405.3, PM-503.2)

These are the highlights of the Code. Many other things are covered in it, and there are exceptions to some of these requirements. If you have any questions, contact the Public Works Department or
BCT.