Connecticut Emergency Exit Lighting Rights for Renters

As a renter in Connecticut, your safety is a top priority—especially during emergencies like fires or power outages. That's why emergency exit lighting standards are enforced in apartment buildings and rental housing. Knowing what Connecticut law requires, and what to do if you notice problems, gives you confidence that your living space meets safety requirements.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards?

Emergency exit lighting helps people safely leave a building during a fire or power outage by clearly showing the location of exit doors and pathways. Connecticut law requires that certain buildings, including multi-family rental housing, have well-lit and visibly marked exits equipped with emergency lighting in case regular power fails.

Requirements for Connecticut Rental Properties

• Illuminated Exit Signs: All exit routes and doors in apartment buildings must have illuminated exit signs that remain visible even in the event of a power failure.
• Emergency Lighting: Buildings with shared hallways or common areas must have backup emergency lights providing enough brightness for safe evacuation.
• Maintenance and Testing: Landlords are responsible for ensuring exit lights and emergency lighting are operating, regularly checked, and kept in good repair.

These rules are based on the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, which incorporates guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101 Life Safety Code).

What Should Renters Do If Emergency Lighting Is Missing or Broken?

If you see burned-out exit lights, missing signage, or feel your apartment's emergency lighting is inadequate:

• Tell your landlord or property manager in writing so there's a clear record.
• Give them a reasonable amount of time (typically up to 30 days for non-urgent repairs, but emergency safety issues should be fixed promptly).

Connecticut's main housing legislation, the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 831 - Landlord and Tenant, requires landlords to keep rental properties safe and compliant with health and safety codes.^[1]

Filing a Housing Code Complaint

If your landlord fails to fix emergency lighting, you may file a complaint. Most towns have their own housing code enforcement, but statewide guidance is available through the Connecticut Department of Housing. You may also take the following actions:

• File a complaint with your local Housing Code Office or Fire Marshal (contact information varies by city or town).
• For unresolved safety issues, you can file an application with the Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session, which resolves serious disputes between tenants and landlords.

Official Forms and How They Are Used

• Application for Housing Code Enforcement (JD-HM-17): Used if your landlord doesn't address unsafe conditions after being notified. Submit this form to your local Housing Session of the Connecticut Superior Court.
  Download the Application for Housing Code Enforcement (JD-HM-17)
  Example: If your landlord does not fix non-working emergency exit lighting after your written complaint, file this form with the court to request enforcement.

Who Enforces Emergency Exit Lighting Standards?

Local building or housing inspectors and Fire Marshals enforce emergency lighting standards in Connecticut rental properties. For official housing disputes, the Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session is the judicial body that handles tenant–landlord cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Emergency Exit Lighting

1. Are landlords always responsible for emergency exit lights?
   Yes. In Connecticut, landlords are required by law to provide, maintain, and repair emergency lighting and exit signs in rental buildings with shared exits or hallways.^[2]
2. How often should emergency exit lights be tested?
   Exit lights and emergency lighting should be inspected and tested at least monthly and after any repairs. This is the landlord's responsibility.
3. Who do I call if my landlord ignores my exit light complaint?
   If your landlord does not respond, you can contact your town’s Housing Code inspection office or Fire Marshal, or file a complaint with the Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session.
4. Can I withhold rent if emergency lighting is not fixed?
   Connecticut law generally requires rent to be paid, but you may apply to the Housing Session to request that payment is placed in court if your unit is unsafe and the landlord does not respond to repeated requests. Never stop paying rent without obtaining a legal order.
5. What is the law that protects renters regarding emergency lighting?
   The Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 831 – Landlord and Tenant and the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• Emergency exit lighting is required by law in multi-unit rental housing in Connecticut.
• Landlords must test and maintain these lights; renters should report any problems promptly.
• If repairs are not made, renters have the right to file complaints locally or through the state Housing Court for safety enforcement.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Housing — Statewide support and guidance
• Connecticut Superior Court Housing Session — Official tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes
• Healthy Homes Egress Safety Information — State fire safety guidelines
• Your city or town’s local housing inspection office or Fire Marshal

---

1. Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 831 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Connecticut State Fire Safety Code & Egress Safety

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations