Connecticut Rental Housing Health Code Requirements

Every renter in Connecticut is entitled to a safe and healthy living environment. State law sets out minimum housing health standards that all rental properties must meet. Understanding these requirements can help you identify unsafe conditions, talk to your landlord about repairs, and take action if necessary.

What Are the Minimum Housing Health Codes in Connecticut?

The State of Connecticut, through its housing code and local ordinances, requires all rental units to meet certain health and safety standards. The core legal framework is the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 832: Landlord and Tenant, as well as the Connecticut Public Health Code.^1,2 Key points for renters include:

• Safe structure: Apartments must be structurally sound, with secure floors, walls, and roofs.
• Plumbing: Every rental must have access to working sinks, toilets, and showers or tubs, with hot and cold running water.
• Heating: There must be a safe, working heat source, especially during cold months (October 1–May 31). See official guidance on heat requirements.
• Infestation: Landlords are responsible for ensuring rentals are free from vermin, insects, or rodent infestations.
• Ventilation and lighting: Adequate natural or artificial light and ventilation are legally required.
• Sanitation: The unit must have proper garbage storage, safe water, and working sewer or septic systems.
• Lead safety: Homes built before 1978 require special precautions to prevent lead poisoning, especially if children under age 6 are present.

How to Report Housing Code Violations

If your rental unit does not meet these standards, you have the right to report unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Connecticut renters typically start by alerting their landlord in writing, asking for timely repairs. If the issue is not addressed, your next step is to contact your local health department or code enforcement office.

Filing an Official Complaint

When contacting authorities, you may need to fill out an official complaint form with your local health department. While there is no single statewide form, most cities and towns provide their own. One common example is the "Housing Code Complaint Form." Check with your town or city website, such as the Hartford Housing Code Enforcement, for specific instructions.

• Name: Housing Code Complaint Form
• When to use: File this form if your landlord has not made necessary repairs after written notice, and you are still experiencing unhealthy or unsafe conditions.
• How to use: Submit details of your complaint (describe the problem, include dates, communication with landlord) to your local health department, either online or in person.
• Official resource: Connecticut Department of Public Health – Housing Complaints

Who Oversees Housing Code Enforcement?

The main state authority for rental housing standards is the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and local municipal health departments. If repairs are not made after an inspection, your case may be referred to the local housing court. In Connecticut, housing matters may come before the Housing Session of the Connecticut Superior Court.³

Your Rights and the Law in Connecticut

Your protections — as well as your landlord’s responsibilities — are clearly set out in the Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832: Landlord and Tenant. Relevant sections include:

• Section 47a-7: Landlord’s obligation to maintain premises
• Section 47a-13: Renter’s right to withhold rent in response to serious housing code violations

Check the official Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 832 (PDF) for the most up-to-date legal language.

Common Violations Rented Tenants Should Watch For

• Broken furnaces, radiators, or no heat during cold months
• Persistent leaks, water damage, or visible mold
• No running water or plumbing blockages
• Unrepaired windows, doors, or locks that threaten security
• Dangerous wiring or exposed electrical hazards

Most issues can be resolved directly with your landlord, but when problems persist, Connecticut law is on your side.

FAQ: Connecticut Rental Housing Health Code

1. What can I do if my landlord won't fix health or safety issues?
   If your landlord doesn’t respond to written requests, you can file a complaint with your local health department. If the situation is severe, Connecticut law may let you withhold rent or take your landlord to housing court. Be sure to follow legal procedures and keep records of all communications and complaints.
2. Is my landlord required to provide heat in winter?
   Yes. From October 1 to May 31, landlords must keep apartments at least 65°F during the day and 55°F at night. If your unit is not warm enough, report it to your landlord and your local health department if needed.
3. How do I make a complaint about unsafe conditions?
   First, notify your landlord in writing. If they don’t make repairs, fill out a Housing Code Complaint Form from your local health department. For guidance, visit the Connecticut DPH Housing Unit.
4. Where can I find the laws that protect me as a renter?
   The main legislation is the Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 832: Landlord and Tenant. Always check this for the latest rules.
5. Who enforces housing codes in Connecticut?
   Local health departments enforce the codes, with support from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Severe or repeated violations may be sent to the Housing Session of the Connecticut Superior Court.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Renters

• State and local laws guarantee safe, habitable rental housing.
• If your apartment has health or safety issues, act promptly by notifying your landlord, keeping good records, and reporting unresolved problems to authorities.
• Official complaint forms and legal protections help ensure your voice is heard and your home is safe.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Connecticut Department of Public Health – Housing Unit: Information on health codes, complaints, and contacts
• Connecticut Superior Court – Housing Session: Where serious tenancy disputes are handled
• Connecticut Fair Housing Center: Free support for renters (includes health and safety issues)
• Connecticut Department of Housing: State housing programs and assistance

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1. Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 832: Landlord and Tenant
2. Connecticut Public Health Code – Housing Unit
3. Housing Session of the Connecticut Superior Court

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