New Britain, CT Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Under Code of Ordinances Sec. 13-103, in the Housing Code (Chapter 13, Article II, Division 4, Minimum Standards for Basic Equipment and Supplies), no owner may let a dwelling or dwelling unit for occupancy unless every exterior door carries a locking device that engages automatically once closed. Landlords using throw-bolt hardware must install a bolt that projects at least five-eighths of an inch when thrown, and the ordinance bars beveled latches outright, the spring-loaded style a screwdriver or card can slip past. The Department of Licenses, Permits and Inspections' building and housing inspectors check compliance during rental inspections; the standard sits alongside companion sections covering kitchen sinks (13-97), flush toilets (13-99) and smoke detectors (13-104) that set the floor for any dwelling unit offered for rent in the city.

A related section, 13-144, requires exterior doors and basement hatchways to be kept rodent-proof, weathertight and in sound working condition, so a failing lock can trigger a maintenance violation on top of the locking-device requirement. Violations of the housing code, including this section, fall under the chapter-wide penalty at Sec. 13-260: a fine of not more than $150 per violation. The requirement applies whenever a unit is let to another for occupancy, so it binds landlords rather than owner-occupants living in their own single-family home. Complaints typically reach the department through a tenant inspection request, and inspectors can order the defect corrected before the case moves to fine enforcement.