Hamden, Conn., Mun. Code Ch. 152 § 152.51
PUBLIC HALLS AND STAIRWAYS LIGHTED
Operative Text
Every public hall and stairway in every multiple dwelling containing five or more dwelling units shall be adequately lighted at all times. Every public hall and stairway in structures devoted solely to dwelling occupancy and containing not more than four dwelling units may be supplied with conveniently located light switches, controlling an adequate lighting system which may be turned on when needed, instead of full-time lighting. (Adopted 9-5-67) Penalty, see § 152.199
Section 152.51 of the Hamden Housing Code establishes two different lighting standards for residential buildings based on their size. Buildings with five or more dwelling units must keep their public halls and stairways lit at all times, with no option to turn the lights off. Smaller residential buildings of four or fewer units are permitted to use a switch-controlled lighting system instead, as long as the switches are conveniently located and the lighting itself is adequate when activated.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 152.51, operators of multiple dwellings with five or more units are generally expected to maintain continuous, adequate lighting in all public halls and stairways, meaning burned-out bulbs or timer-based shutoffs would not satisfy the requirement. For properties with four or fewer dwelling units used solely for residential occupancy, a compliant operator typically installs conveniently placed light switches that control an adequate lighting system throughout those common areas. Documenting bulb replacements, switch functionality, and lighting adequacy can support a showing of ongoing compliance with § 152.51.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 152.51 gives residents of larger buildings (five or more units) a right to adequately lit common hallways and stairways at all times, while residents of smaller buildings (four or fewer units) are entitled to a conveniently accessible switch-controlled system that provides adequate light. If public areas in your building are persistently dark or switches are missing or inaccessible, this may constitute a violation of § 152.51, which carries penalties under § 152.199 of the Hamden Housing Code. Tenants who believe this provision is being violated can consider contacting the Hamden housing or building enforcement office, raising the condition in any relevant housing proceeding, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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