DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Licenses and Inspections Division 260 Constitution Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Tel: (860) 757-9200 Fax: (860) 722-6374
Housing Code Enforcement
1. Who should we contact if the vacant building next door has tall grass? Call Licenses and Inspections Housing Code Enforcement unit. 2. I have no heat or hot water what should I do? Register your complaint with Housing Code Enforcement and an inspector will follow-up. 3. Why do I need a Certificate of Apartment Occupancy? A Certificate of Apartment Occupancy is used to insure compliance with the requirements of the municipal Code before moving in. 4. Who should apply for a Certificate of Apartment Occupancy? Owners or Agent 5. Do I need screens on my windows? Only during the months of July 1- October 31. 6. Are the landlords required to put screens in windows? Only on the top level dwelling units 7. What constitutes a Housing Code Violation? Any deterioration of the property that could be enforced under City Municipal Code Interior and Exterior as well as public nuisance 8. Who will be held responsible for violations? The owner, agent or occupant 9. How many people can occupy a room for sleeping purposes? 70 Sq Ft. of floor space for occupancy and 50 Sq. Ft. of floor space for more than one occupant 10. Are bars on windows mandatory? No 11. Do I need a license to run a rooming house? Yes 12. What determines a rooming house/ hotel? A rooming house consists of 3 or more unrelated people. 13. How much time do I have to comply? The amount of time for code compliance varies based on the type of violation. Generally, 30 days for non-emergency violations. Twenty-Four hours for all emergency violations 14. Can I appeal a notice of violation? Yes, appeals should be addressed to the Director of Licenses and Inspections. 15. Who is the responsible party required to maintain the exterior grounds? The owner or agent 16. How often pest extermination should be done? Depending on the severity of the problem. The extermination should be done every month 17. Can I be taken to housing court for non-compliance? Yes, if violations remain uncorrected, criminal penalties including substantial fines can be imposed. 18. Who is responsible to determine an emergency situation? The director of Licenses and Inspections 19. What will be the action taken on emergency situations? Depending on the nature of the emergency, notice to correct would be sent within 24 hours, or condemnation of the property. 20. Can a cellar be used for habitation? No cellar space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit.