Waterford, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 15.08 § 15.08.260
Refusal to grant entry—Authority to obtain court order
Operative Text
If any owner, occupant or other person in charge of a rental dwelling, rental dwelling unit or rooming unit, or of a multiple rental dwelling or a roominghouse fails or refuses to permit free access and entry to the structure or premises under his control, or any part thereof, with respect to which an inspection authorized by this chapter is sought to be made, the building official may, upon a showing that probable cause exists for the inspection and for the issuance of an order directing compliance with the inspection requirements of this chapter with respect to such rental dwelling, rental dwelling unit, rooming unit, multiple rental dwelling or roominghouse, petition and obtain such order from a court of competent jurisdiction. This provision also applies to periodic inspections or systematic inspections scheduled under the provisions of Section 15.08.220 . When required the building official shall obtain the necessary order from the court to conduct the inspection.
Waterford Code of Ordinances ch. 15.08 § 15.08.260 establishes a process for situations where a property owner, occupant, or person in control of a rental dwelling or rooming unit refuses to allow an authorized inspection. In such cases, the building official is empowered to go to court and obtain an order compelling access, provided there is probable cause to support the inspection. This applies both to individual complaint-driven inspections and to the periodic or systematic inspections scheduled under Section 15.08.220.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Waterford Code of Ordinances ch. 15.08 § 15.08.260, compliant property owners and managers generally cooperate with inspection requests authorized under Chapter 15.08, including both routine periodic inspections and those triggered by specific concerns. When access is denied, the building official has a clear legal pathway to obtain a court order compelling entry, meaning refusal does not permanently prevent an inspection from occurring. Operators familiar with this provision typically maintain records of inspection scheduling and access arrangements to demonstrate good-faith cooperation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Waterford Code of Ordinances ch. 15.08 § 15.08.260 is relevant to tenants because it ensures that authorized inspections of rental dwellings and rooming units—including those scheduled under Section 15.08.220—can proceed even if a property owner or person in control refuses access. If an inspection related to housing conditions is being blocked, tenants may find it useful to contact the local building official's office to understand how the court-order process works. Tenant-rights organizations in the Waterford area can also help explain how inspection enforcement intersects with habitability rights.
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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