Hartford, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 18 § 18-43
Inspections related to toxic levels of lead (Hartford Housing Code and Rental Licensing Program)
Operative Text
A. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, this section may be applied to all properties (including buildings and their premises) in the city, not just to properties containing housing and housing units to which the rest of this chapter is otherwise limited in applicability. B. Pursuant to the lead statute, the city hereby designates the director of health as the official with the authority to coordinate with the State the identification, assessment, and enforcement of State laws and regulations on toxic levels of lead. C. The director of licenses and inspections or the director of health may conduct or cause to be conducted inspections related to toxic levels of lead in any property in the city, whether housing or not, if he or she have reason to believe, as a result of reports of elevated blood levels in occupants or through visual observation or otherwise, that the property contains toxic levels of lead for which abatement would be required pursuant to the lead statute. D. In order to carry out the inspections authorized in Section 18-43 (C), the director of licenses and inspections or the director of health may hire, or cause to be hired, third parties, such as certified lead inspectors and other professionals, to provide information to the city regarding toxic levels of lead. The cost of such professionals shall be borne by the property owner exclusively. E. After the inspection occurs, an inspection report shall be completed using the State inspection form and shall be postmarked and sent by certified mail or hand delivery by the second working day following completion of the inspection. The inspection form shall indicate all defective and intact lead-based surfaces. F. Within two (2) days after receipt of an inspection report identifying toxic levels of lead requiring abatement, the owner shall post to each entrance to the housing unit or common area of dwelling affected. The notice shall measure at least eight-and-one-half (8 ½) inches by eleven (11) inches, with letters measuring at least one half (½) inch. The notice shall state that the dwelling unit contains a toxic level of lead which may be dangerous and which a child should not be allowed to mouth or chew. The notice shall not be removed until the dwelling unit has been found to comply with the lead statute. G. The owner shall provide a summary report of the lead inspection and/or lead management plan, and the post-abatement inspection report to the residents and to the director of licenses and inspections. This summary inspection report shall contain the results of lead-based surface testing as required by section 19a-111-3 of the regulations for the lead statute and will include a description of the testing methods used. H. The owner shall also provide the residents with information prescribed by the department concerning the toxicity of lead and precautions that should be taken to avoid exposure. I. The director of health shall have full authority under the lead statute to issue an order for a property owner to conduct a lead abatement plan and correct all defective lead-based surfaces requiring abatement and soil areas identified as a source, or potential source for elevated blood within the time period specified by section 19a-111-5 of the regulations for the lead statute and within acceptable statutory and industry standards.
Hartford, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 18 § 18-43 establishes a citywide framework for identifying and addressing toxic levels of lead in any property—residential or otherwise—within Hartford. The Director of Health and the Director of Licenses and Inspections are each authorized to order or conduct lead inspections when there is reason to believe a property contains lead at levels requiring abatement, with the cost of any third-party inspectors falling solely on the property owner. Following an inspection, owners must post required notices at affected entrances, share inspection reports and lead management plans with residents, and comply with abatement orders issued under Connecticut's lead statute.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Hartford, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 18 § 18-43, property owners bear the financial responsibility for any certified lead inspectors or other professionals hired by the city to assess their property. Compliant operators ensure that within two days of receiving an inspection report identifying toxic lead levels, the required notice—meeting the specified size and lettering standards—is posted at every affected entrance and remains in place until the property is found to be in compliance. Owners also provide residents and the Director of Licenses and Inspections with summary inspection reports, lead management plans, post-abatement inspection reports, and city-prescribed information about lead toxicity and exposure precautions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Hartford, Conn., Mun. Code ch. 18 § 18-43 gives occupants of any affected property certain protections, including the right to receive a summary of lead inspection results, any lead management plan, and post-abatement inspection reports from the property owner. Residents are also entitled to information about lead toxicity and steps to reduce exposure, as prescribed by the relevant city department. Tenants who believe these requirements are not being met may consider contacting the Hartford Director of Health or Director of Licenses and Inspections, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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