The Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 833a Section 47a-52 allows the health department the ability to take action against the responsible party for the following circumstances creating a danger to life and health inside a residential rental property:
Abatement of Unhealthy Conditions in Rented Dwelling
Rented Dwelling Definition
(a) As used in this section, “rented dwelling” means any structure or portion thereof which is rented, leased, or hired out to be occupied as the home or residence of one or two families and any mobile manufactured home in a mobile manufactured home park which, although owned by its resident, sits upon a space or lot which is rented, leased or hired out, but shall not include a tenement house as defined in section 19a-355 or in section 47a-1.
Department of Health Definition
(b) “Department of health” means the health authority of each city, borough or town, by whatever name such health authority may be known.
Rented Dwelling Defects
(c) When any defect in the plumbing, sewerage, water supply, drainage, lighting, ventilation, or sanitary condition of a rented dwelling, or of the premises on which it is situated, in the opinion of the department of health of the municipality where such dwelling is located, constitutes a danger to life or health, the department may order the responsible party to correct the same in such manner as it specifies. If the responsible party is a registrant, the department may deliver the order in accordance with section 7-148ii, provided nothing in this section shall preclude a director from providing notice in another manner permitted by applicable law. If the order is not complied with within the time limit set by the department, the person in charge of the department may institute a civil action for injunctive relief, in accordance with chapter 916, to require the abatement of such danger.
Lead-Based Paint
(d) Paint on the exposed surfaces of the interior of a rented dwelling shall not be cracked, chipped, blistered, flaking, loose or peeling so as to constitute a health hazard. Testing, remediation, abatement and management of lead-based paint at a rented dwelling or its premises shall be as defined in, and in accordance with, the regulations, if any, adopted pursuant to section 19a-111c.
Order to Vacate
(e) When the department of health certifies that any such rented dwelling or premises are unfit for human habitation, by reason of defects which may cause sickness or endanger the health of the occupants, the department may issue an order requiring the rented dwelling, premises or any portion thereof to be vacated within not less than twenty-four hours or more than ten days.
Violating this Law or Failing to Comply
(f) Any person who violates or assists in violating, or fails to comply with, any provision of this section or any legal order of a department of health made under any such provision shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.
Right to Appeal
(g) Any person aggrieved by an order issued under this section may appeal, pursuant to section 19a-229, to the Commissioner of Public Health.
Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 47a Ch 833a Sec 47a-52.
See also Connecticut Landlord Must Maintain Habitable Property.
Return to Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Laws.