Stratford, CT Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Chapter 120 of the Stratford Code, Health Regulations, puts housing complaints and inspections in the hands of the Director of Health. Section 120-4 sets the only filing requirement for a complaint: any complaint made to the Board of Health must include the name and address of the complainant. A tenant in the Town of Stratford therefore cannot file anonymously.

Section 120-3, added 8-17-1965, authorizes and directs the Director of Health to inspect dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises in the Town to safeguard the health and safety of occupants and the public. The Director can enter, examine and survey at a reasonable time. The owner or occupant, or the person in charge, can give free access, and if right of entry is refused the Director follows due process of law to gain access.

When the Director finds reasonable grounds to believe a violation exists, § 120-5 requires a written notice that states the reasons it is issued and allows a reasonable time to do any act it requires. Service is valid if a copy is served personally, sent by registered mail to the last-known address, posted in a conspicuous place in or about the affected dwelling, or served by any other method authorized by state law. The notice can include an outline of remedial action.

The person affected files a written petition with the Director of Health within 10 days after the notice is served to get a hearing (§ 120-6). The hearing starts no later than 10 days after the petition is filed, with a postponement available for good reason. After it, the Director sustains, modifies or withdraws the notice (§ 120-8). A notice automatically becomes an order if no petition is filed within 10 days (§ 120-9). Under § 120-11 the Director can issue an emergency order without notice or hearing when immediate action is needed to protect public health. A person aggrieved by the decision can seek relief as provided by state law (§ 120-7).

Article III sets the standards a complaint can rest on, including a minimum of 150 square feet of floor space for the first occupant (§ 120-26), heat to at least 68° F. (§ 120-28), and rodentproof structures (§ 120-29).