Stratford, CT Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 120 of the Stratford Code governs rooming houses, and Section 120-32 extends every provision that applies to rooming houses to hotels and motels as well, except where state law or a state board regulation conflicts. Section 120-34 bars anyone from operating a rooming house without a valid license issued by the Director of Health in the operator's name for the specific dwelling or dwelling unit. Section 120-35 says the license is issued on the operator's application once the operator complies with the applicable provisions of Part 1 of the chapter and its rules. Under Section 120-36 the license expires one year after issuance unless suspended or revoked sooner, and the fee is $5. Section 120-37 requires the license to be displayed conspicuously, makes it non-transferable, and requires written notice to the Director of Health within 24 hours after the operator sells, transfers, gives away or otherwise disposes of ownership, interest or control.

Section 120-45 is the inspection mechanism. After an inspection finds a violation of the article or its rules, the Director gives written notice that the license will be suspended unless the condition is corrected within a reasonable period the Director sets. At the end of that period the Director reinspects. If the condition remains, a written notice of suspension follows, the operator must stop operating immediately, and nobody may occupy a rooming unit for sleeping or living. Section 120-39 gives the operator a hearing before the Director on request, and if no petition is filed within 10 days after the suspension the license is deemed automatically revoked. The standards inspected include one flush toilet, lavatory and bathtub or shower for each eight persons, weekly changes of bed linen and towels under Section 120-42, and sleeping rooms of at least 70 square feet for one person or 50 square feet per occupant. For housing generally, Chapter 123 adopts the Housing Code and directs the Building Inspector to follow due process of law if right of entry is refused.