New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 208
Condemnation of unfit dwellings—Defects warranting (New Haven Housing Code)
Operative Text
Any dwellings or dwelling units which shall be found to have any of the following defects shall be condemned as unfit for human habitation and shall be so designated and placarded by the enforcing officer: (a) One which is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe, or vermin-infested that it creates a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public. (b) One which lacks illumination, ventilation, or sanitation facilities adequate to protect the health or safety of the occupants or of the public as prescribed by the provisions of this title. (c) One which because of its general condition or location is unsanitary or otherwise dangerous to the health or safety of the occupants or of the public. Note-- Formerly, ¶ 211.
New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 208 establishes the specific conditions that make a dwelling legally unfit for human habitation. A dwelling or dwelling unit may be condemned and officially placarded under this provision if it poses serious health or safety hazards due to physical deterioration, vermin infestation, inadequate lighting or ventilation, insufficient sanitation, or dangerous general conditions or location. Once condemned, the property is formally designated as unfit, signaling that occupancy is considered a public health or safety risk.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Haven should be aware that tit. V § 208 gives the enforcing officer authority to condemn and placard any unit found to meet one or more of its listed defect categories. Compliant operators routinely conduct inspections to identify and remediate structural decay, pest infestations, and deficiencies in lighting, ventilation, and sanitation before they rise to the level of a serious hazard. Maintaining documentation of repairs and routine maintenance is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance with this title's standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 208, tenants have the right to live in a dwelling that does not meet the condemnation thresholds described in this provision — including freedom from serious decay, vermin infestation, and inadequate sanitation or ventilation. If a tenant believes their unit meets one of the defect categories listed in § 208, they may report conditions to the local enforcing officer, who holds the authority to inspect and placard the property. Tenants may also wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization to understand how a condemnation designation or an unresolved housing code violation might factor into their broader housing situation.
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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