If a rental property in Connecticut fails to meet legally required health and safety standards, tenants have the right to report their landlord to local public officials who may choose to follow up, inspect the property and cite the landlord for such violations.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Connecticut?
In STATE, unsafe living conditions exist when the landlord isn’t maintaining anything that impacts health, safety, or habitability, especially when the issue relates to:
- Plumbing.
- Electricity.
- Heating.
- Hot water.
- Provided appliances.
- Garbage containers and service.
- Common areas.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Connecticut?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Connecticut must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within 15 days.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Connecticut?
Tenants in Connecticut should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Bridgeport | Bridgeport 311 | Online Form |
| Stamford | Building Department | Call (203) 977-4164 or email |
| New Haven | Housing Code Enforcement | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Bridgeport?
A tenant in Bridgeport can report a health or safety violation by calling (203) 576-7072 or using the online form provided by Bridgeport 311. Confirm a location. Most issues will fall under “Housing Code Violation.” Attach a photo if possible, describe the issue, provide contact and landlord information, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Stamford?
A tenant in Stamford can report a health or safety violation by calling (203) 977-4164 or emailing the Building Department. Provide a location and issue description as well as contact information for both landlord and tenant.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in New Haven?
A tenant in New Haven can report a health or safety violation using the online form provided by Housing Code Enforcement. Attach a photo if possible, describe the issue, provide contact and landlord information, and submit.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Connecticut?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Connecticut, an officer may inspect the property and cite code violations. The landlord must fix cited issues or face fines and even condemnation of the property. Landlords can introduce a certificate of compliance in court as evidence of repairs.
Note: a certificate of compliance by itself doesn’t prove the landlord is fulfilling all his habitability duties, if the tenant can produce other evidence of ongoing health and safety issues that weren’t addressed by the officer who inspected for the certificate.
Sources
- 1 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-7(a) (2021)
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“A landlord shall: (1) Comply with the requirements of chapter 368o [general tenantability requirements: one water closet per two apartment rooms in a tenement, elevator access for tenements over four stories, etc.] and all applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety of both the state or any political subdivision thereof; (2) make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition, except where the premises are intentionally rendered unfit or uninhabitable by the tenant, a member of his family or other person on the premises with his consent, in which case such duty shall be the responsibility of the tenant; (3) keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; (4) maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating and other facilities and appliances and elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him; (5) provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal; and (6) supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat[.]”
Source Link - 2 Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-12(a) (2021)
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“If there is a material noncompliance by the landlord with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with section 47a-7 which materially affects health and safety, the tenant may deliver a written notice to the landlord specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach. If the breach is not remedied within fifteen days after receipt of the notice, the rental agreement shall terminate on such date.”
Source Link - 3 Mention v. Kensington Sq. Apts., AC 42832 § II (Conn. App. Ct. 2022)
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“Although the housing code authorizes the inspector to uncover violations and provide an outline of remedial action to be taken, the notice of compliance issued by the Initiative in regard to the premises is not conclusive as to whether the defendant complied with its duties under the housing code.”
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