| Questions often asked of Health Department Inspectors: |
| Q. |
I have roaches in my dwelling unit. What can be done? |
| A. |
If an Inspector determines that your living unit is roach infested, the owner of the building is required to hire a Connecticut Licensed Exterminator, if more than one (1) dwelling unit is infested. If only your dwelling unit is roach infested, then it is your responsibility. |
| Q. |
There are never enough garbage cans for me to put my trash into. What are the rules regarding this? |
| A. |
If you live in a building where three (3) or more dwelling units are located, the owner must supply a sufficient number of containers (minimum 2 containers per unit). |
| Q. |
Whose responsibility is it to shovel snow from our sidewalks? |
| A. |
The owner of the structure where two (2) or more dwelling units are located is responsible for removing ice and snow from sidewalks and exterior stairs within twenty-four (24) hours after the end of the precipitation. |
| Q. |
What are my responsibilities as a tenant? |
| A. |
Under this code, you are required to keep your apartment in a clean and sanitary manner. You are required to dispose of your rubbish and garbage in a sanitary manner by placing it in appropriate containers. You are required to maintain or replace screens provided to you. You are required to exercise reasonable care in the proper use of facilities. You are also required to maintain working smoke detectors by replacing batteries when needed. |
| Q. |
One of my bedrooms does not have a window and it becomes very hot in the summer. What can be done? |
| A. |
That room is not considered a habitable room without having at least one (1) window or skylight for illumination and ventilation. Bathrooms and kitchens may be exempt from this requirement if some other device is supplied affording adequate light and ventilation and approved by the Director of Health. |
| Q. |
My landlord supplies the heat and during the winter but my apartment is always cold. What can be done? |
| A. |
Under federal and state laws, the apartment must be maintained at a minimum temperature of 65° F at all times. Under the Stamford Ordinance Chapter 146, the heating facility must be capable of safety and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms and water closet compartments to a minimum temperature of a least 70°F. |
| Q. |
During the summer, I always have a lot of flies in my apartment, why? |
| A. |
All of your windows and at least one door that opens to outdoor space must have half or full screens. It is your responsibility to maintain the screens and keep your apartment clean from garbage and refuse so as to not attract flies. |
| Q. |
My bathroom floor has broken tiles and tiles missing, which makes it very hard to keep clean. Is this a violation? |
| A. |
Yes. Bathroom and kitchen floor surfaces shall be constructed and maintained so they are reasonably impervious to water and can easily be kept clean and sanitary. |
| Q. |
How many people are allowed to live in my two bedroom apartment? |
| A. |
At least (70) square feet for each bedroom floor space is needed for the first occupant and at least (50) square feet for each additional occupant. Example: A 10’x 10’ room can support only (1) person. You would need a minimum of a 10’x 12’ room for two people. |
| Q. |
I have an efficiency apartment in my cellar. Can I rent this out? |
| A. |
No.Cellar space shall not be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit. |
| Q. |
I own a three (3) family house. Am I required to obtain a license and get Certificate of Apartment Occupancy’s (C.A.O.’s)? |
| A. |
Yes, you are required to obtain a license from the Stamford Health Department to operate a Multi Family Dwelling, but no, you are not required to obtain (C.A.O.’s) each time you rent an apartment. C.A.O.’s are required in structures containing 4 or more dwelling units. |
| Q. |
What are the annual fees for licenses and Certificates of Apartment Occupancy? |
| A. |
Multiple Family Dwelling License:
3 to 9 apartments |
$60.00 fee plus $30.00 per unit |
Multiple Family Dwelling License:
10 to 39 Apartments |
$75.00 fee plus $40.00 per unit
|
Multiple Family Dwelling License:
40+ Apartments |
$200.00 fee plus $60.00 per unit |
| Rate Reductions Apartment Building |
$200.00 fee plus 20.00 per unit
|
| Rooming House License: |
$180.00 fee plus $55.00 per unit |
| Hotel License: |
$250.00 fee plus $75.00 per unit |
| Assisted Living & Continuing Care Residence License |
$200.00 fee plus $38.00 per unit |
| Hotel with 501(c) (3) IRS |
$250.00 fee plus $30.00 per unit |
| *CAO fee is $50.00 for an inspection for structures with 4 or more apartments and the structure is 15 years old | |
| Q. |
I own a condominium unit that I rent to a family. Would this code apply? |
| A. |
Yes. |
| Q. |
I own a two (2) family house and live in the 1st floor apartment and rent out the 2nd floor apartment. Would this code apply? |
| A. |
The code would apply to the 2nd floor rental dwelling unit as well as the exterior and common areas. The code would not apply to your 1st floor owner-occupied apartment. If the building was a three (3) family, then the code would apply to your owner-occupied unit. |
| Q. |
Who is required to file the landlord identification information within the Office of the Director of Health? |
|
See Housing Code Part II Identification of non-resident owner or agent required. |