Greenwich, Conn., Town Code ch. 5 § 5-17
Screening basement openings
Operative Text
Every basement or cellar window and every other opening to a basement which might provide an entry for rodents, shall be supplied with a screen or such other device as will effectively prevent their entrance.
Greenwich Town Code ch. 5 § 5-17 requires that all basement and cellar windows, as well as any other openings that could allow rodents to enter a basement, be fitted with screens or equivalent protective devices. The rule is aimed at blocking potential rodent entry points at the building's lowest levels. It applies to any opening that presents a realistic pathway for rodents, regardless of its size or purpose.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Greenwich Town Code ch. 5 § 5-17, compliant property operators generally inspect all basement and cellar windows and other ground-level openings to identify any gaps that could serve as rodent entry points. Operators typically install properly fitted screens or equivalent barriers—such as wire mesh or hardware cloth—over each such opening. Routine maintenance checks help ensure that existing screens remain intact and continue to function as effective deterrents.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Greenwich Town Code ch. 5 § 5-17 establishes that tenants have a right to occupy a building where basement and cellar openings are screened or otherwise protected against rodent entry. If a tenant observes unscreened basement openings or signs of rodent activity that may relate to such gaps, they may document the conditions and report them to the appropriate Greenwich municipal authority responsible for housing or health code enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand available options, including how such a violation might be raised in relevant proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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