New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 13 § 13-103
Positive locking device required
Operative Text
No person shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit unless every exterior door is equipped with a safe, functioning locking device requiring engagement after closing the door, and if such locking device contains a throw bolt, then such throw bolt, when in locked position, shall have a throw of not less than five-eighths of an inch, provided that no such positive locking device shall contain a beveled latch.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 4 § 13-103 establishes that every exterior door of a rented dwelling or dwelling unit must be fitted with a safe, working locking device that requires active engagement after the door is closed. If the device includes a throw bolt, that bolt must extend at least five-eighths of an inch when locked. The rule also prohibits the use of beveled latches as the required positive locking device.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 13-103, compliant operators in New Britain ensure that every exterior door of a rental dwelling is outfitted with a functioning locking device that must be actively engaged after closing—not one that locks automatically on contact. Where a throw bolt is part of the hardware, landlords generally verify that it achieves a minimum throw of five-eighths of an inch in the locked position, and they avoid installing any beveled latch as the required positive locking device. Routine inspections of door hardware help operators confirm that all units remain in compliance before and during tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13-103 of the New Britain Code of Ordinances gives tenants the right to occupy a dwelling whose exterior doors are secured with a properly functioning positive locking device meeting specific hardware standards, including a throw bolt of at least five-eighths of an inch if applicable, and no beveled latch. If a door lock appears to fall short of these requirements, tenants may report the condition to the appropriate New Britain housing or code enforcement authority. Consulting a local tenant-rights organization can help clarify what documentation to gather and what options are generally available when a landlord has not maintained compliant door hardware.
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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