West Haven, CT Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- International Property Maintenance Code, First Printing December 2002
- Heat supply
- 65° F. replaces 69° F., no seasonal date window
- Weeds
- Eight inches, section 302.4
- Electrical
- GFCI receptacles in every bathroom and at kitchen counters
- Citation fine
- $100 per violation, $100 per day after citation
- Procedure
- Chapter 128, Enforcement of Ordinances
Summary
West Haven, Connecticut adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, First Printing December 2002, as the City of West Haven Property Maintenance Code in Chapter 127. Local changes set heat supply at 65° F. in place of 69° F. with no seasonal date window, require ground-fault protected receptacles in every bathroom and at kitchen counters, and set a $100 fine per cited violation.
A certain document, one copy of which is on file in the office of the Town and City Clerk of the City of West Haven, being marked and designated as the "International Property Maintenance Code, First Printing: December 2002," as published by the International Code Council, Inc., be and is hereby adopted as the Property Maintenance Code of the City of West Haven, in the State of Connecticut, for the control of buildings and structures as herein provided; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said International Property Maintenance Code are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any prescribed in § 127-2 of this chapter. ... ... F. In 602.3, Heat supply, delete "During the period from [date] to [date]" and replace "69° F." with "65° F." ... ... I. In 605.2, Receptacles, amend in part "Every bathroom shall contain at least one ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle. Every kitchen counter receptacle shall be ground-fault interrupter protected."
Full Breakdown
Chapter 127 was adopted 9-26-1994 (Ord. No. 341) and amended in its entirety 5-23-2005. Section 127-1 adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, First Printing December 2002, published by the International Code Council, Inc., as the Property Maintenance Code of the City of West Haven for the control of buildings and structures. One copy is on file in the office of the Town and City Clerk. The wording covers buildings and structures, not rentals alone, so it is the local baseline for the condition of apartments and houses.
Section 127-2 lists the local changes. Heat supply (602.3) drops the seasonal date window and replaces 69° F. with 65° F. Occupiable work spaces (602.4) also lose their date window. Insect screens (304.14) lose theirs as well, and the sentence starts with "Every." Weeds (302.4) are set at eight inches. Under 605.2, every bathroom must contain at least one ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle, and every kitchen counter receptacle must be ground-fault interrupter protected. References to the International Building, Existing Building, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical codes are read as the current State Building Code, and the code references in Chapter 8 are replaced with the current State Building Code. Requested documents in the Property Maintenance files cost $0.50 a copy (103.5).
Section 127-2(L) adds Section 112, Citations. Violations can be cited by the Code Official, citations are served under Section 112, and the citation and appeal procedure is the one in Chapter 128, Enforcement of Ordinances. The penalties are not exclusive of any other remedy the Code Official or agent has under state statute, ordinance or the Property Maintenance Code.
Separately, Chapter 129 defines a dilapidated building as one that would not qualify for a certificate of use and occupancy, is an unsafe structure under the State Building Code, or is a dwelling designated unfit for human habitation under state law, the state housing code and City codes and ordinances.
Violations & Fines
A cited violation carries a fine of $100 per violation under Section 112.3. Each day the violation continues following the issuance of the citation is a separate violation with an additional $100 fine per day. A cited person can contest liability before a hearing officer by written notice within 10 days of the date of the notice, under Chapter 128. The Code Official keeps other remedies available under state statute and ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What heat standard does West Haven set for buildings?
Where can I read the property maintenance code adopted by West Haven?
Does West Haven require ground-fault outlets in kitchens and bathrooms?
What is the fine for a property maintenance violation in West Haven?
Sources & Official References
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