Norwalk, CT Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum hot water temperature
- 120°F at required fixtures
- Minimum window area
- 8% of habitable room floor area
- Minimum openable window area
- 45% of required window area
- Closet/storage space per occupant
- At least 4 sq. ft.
- Max penalty for violation
- $99 fine or 30 days jail
Summary
Norwalk's Housing Code bars anyone from occupying or renting out a dwelling unit that lacks a working kitchen sink and bathroom fixtures, or that cannot deliver hot water of at least 120°F at every sink, tub and shower, among other numeric minimum standards.
No person shall occupy as owner-occupant, or let to another for occupancy, any dwelling or dwelling unit for the purpose of living, sleeping, cooking or eating therein which does not comply with the following requirements... B. Every dwelling unit, except as otherwise permitted under § 59-4C, shall be equipped with a complete bathroom fixture group consisting of a flush water closet, lavatory basin and bathtub or shower in good working condition... E. ...shall be capable of heating water to such a temperature as to permit an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required kitchen sink, lavatory basin, bathtub or shower at a temperature of not less than 120° F.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4888624; v55 updated 2026-05-26; through 05-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 59-4's Minimum Standards make it unlawful to occupy as an owner-occupant, or to let to another, any dwelling unit that fails a list of physical requirements. Every unit must have a room or space for storing, preparing and cooking food, including a properly connected kitchen sink in good working order. Except in narrow shared-facility cases for pre-existing small units under 250 square feet, every unit must have a complete bathroom fixture group, a flush water closet, lavatory basin, and bathtub or shower, properly connected to approved sewage and water systems.
Water-heating facilities required under § 59-4A, B and C must be maintained in safe, good working condition and capable of delivering hot water of not less than 120°F at every required kitchen sink, lavatory basin, bathtub or shower. Units must also have adequate rubbish and garbage storage or disposal facilities, safe unobstructed means of egress, at least four square feet of closet or storage space per permitted occupant, and premises that are rodentproof and free of standing water. Separate light and ventilation standards in § 59-5 require habitable rooms to have windows equal to at least 8% of floor area, with at least 45% of that window area openable.
The Director of Public Health enforces these standards through inspection and the § 59-3 notice-and-hearing process, and a unit that fails badly enough can be condemned as unfit for habitation under § 59-10.
Violations & Fines
Renting or occupying a unit that fails these minimum standards is punishable under § 59-11 by a fine of not more than $99, imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both, with each day of continued noncompliance a separate violation. A unit found unfit for habitation is vacated within a City-ordered deadline of up to 30 days and may not be reoccupied until the Director of Public Health removes the condemnation placard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot must the water be in a Norwalk rental unit?
What bathroom fixtures must a Norwalk rental unit have?
Can a Norwalk apartment be condemned for failing these standards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norwalk
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