New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 308
Duty of occupant to maintain, care for plumbing fixtures (New Haven Housing Code)
Operative Text
In addition to duties specified elsewhere in this title, every occupant of a dwelling shall keep all plumbing fixtures therein in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be responsible for the exercise of reasonable care in the proper use and operation.
Under New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 308, every person who occupies a dwelling unit carries a baseline responsibility for the plumbing fixtures within that unit. The rule requires occupants to keep those fixtures clean and sanitary, and to use and operate them with reasonable care. This obligation exists alongside any other maintenance duties set out elsewhere in the same title.
Plain English — not legal advice.
New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 308 places the day-to-day cleanliness and careful use of plumbing fixtures squarely on the occupant, which can be relevant when assessing responsibility for damage or unsanitary conditions. Compliant property managers typically document the condition of plumbing fixtures at move-in and move-out to distinguish normal wear from occupant-caused deterioration. Lease provisions that reinforce the occupant's duty under § 308 can help clarify expectations from the start of a tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
New Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances tit. V § 308 establishes that occupants are responsible for keeping plumbing fixtures clean, sanitary, and properly used — but this duty is separate from a landlord's broader obligation to provide and maintain working plumbing infrastructure. If a plumbing problem stems from a structural defect or landlord neglect rather than occupant misuse, that distinction may be relevant to any complaint or dispute. Tenants who believe responsibilities are being misapplied can consult a local tenant-rights organization or the city's housing enforcement office for general guidance on how § 308 interacts with landlord obligations.
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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