New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 13 § 13-41
Citizens' complaints; authorization to inspect
Operative Text
The chief building inspector and the director of health are also authorized and directed to make inspections in response to a complaint, written or verbal, that an alleged violation of the provisions of this article or of the applicable rules or regulations pursuant thereto has been committed, or when they have valid reason to believe that a violation of this article or any rules and regulations pursuant thereto has been committed.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 2 § 13-41 establishes that the city's chief building inspector and director of health have the authority—and the obligation—to conduct property inspections when a complaint (written or verbal) alleges a housing code violation, or when either official independently has valid reason to believe a violation has occurred. The provision covers violations of the article itself as well as any rules or regulations adopted under it. Inspections can therefore be triggered either by a citizen's report or by the officials' own observations or knowledge.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 13-41, both the chief building inspector and the director of health may initiate an inspection of a property based on a complaint from any source or on their own reasonable belief that a violation exists. Operators who maintain properties in continuous compliance with New Britain's housing code and related regulations are generally better positioned when such inspections occur, since the provision gives officials broad authority to respond to even verbal complaints. Keeping maintenance records, responding promptly to tenant concerns, and addressing code issues proactively are practices commonly associated with compliant property management.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13-41 of the New Britain Code of Ordinances gives tenants a clear pathway to trigger an official inspection: a complaint—even a verbal one—to the chief building inspector or the director of health is sufficient to authorize an inspection of alleged housing code violations. Tenants who believe a violation exists may contact either office directly, and the officials are directed, not merely permitted, to respond. Tenant-rights organizations in Connecticut can help residents understand how to document conditions, what to include in a complaint, and what other remedies may be available under state and local law.
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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