West Haven, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 156 (2026) § 156-1
Definitions (West Haven Nonresident Landlord Registration)
Operative Text
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: ADDRESS A location as described by the full street number, if any, the street name, the city or town, and the state, and not a mailing address such as a post office box. AGENT IN CHARGE One who manages real estate, including but not limited to the collection of rents and supervision of property. CONTACT INFORMATION The name, address, and telephone number(s) of the nonresident owner and the agent in charge, if any. DWELLING UNIT Any house or building, or portion thereof, which is rented, leased, or hired out to be occupied, or is occupied, as the home or residence of one or more persons, living independently of each other, and doing their cooking on the premises, and having a common right in the halls, stairways, or yards.
Section 156-1 of West Haven's Code of Ordinances establishes the foundational definitions that apply throughout Chapter 156, which governs rental property registration and oversight. Key terms defined include 'address' (requiring a full street address rather than a P.O. box), 'agent in charge' (a person who manages real estate functions such as rent collection and property supervision), 'contact information' (the name, address, and phone number of a nonresident owner and any agent in charge), and 'dwelling unit' (any rented or leased home or residence where occupants live independently and share common areas). These definitions set the precise scope and meaning of terms used in the rest of the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 156-1 of West Haven's Code of Ordinances, property owners and managers should be aware that the definitions in this section shape their obligations throughout Chapter 156. A compliant operator ensures that any 'address' provided in required filings reflects a full street address rather than a post office box, and that 'contact information' includes the name, physical address, and telephone number(s) of both the nonresident owner and any designated agent in charge. Operators who delegate day-to-day management functions—such as rent collection or property supervision—should understand that such a delegate qualifies as an 'agent in charge' under § 156-1 and may need to be identified in required disclosures.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 156-1 of West Haven's Code of Ordinances defines the terms that underpin tenant protections and landlord obligations throughout Chapter 156, including what qualifies as a 'dwelling unit' and what 'contact information' a nonresident owner must provide. Tenants living in a rented home or apartment that meets the 'dwelling unit' definition are covered by the chapter's broader requirements, which include the right to know how to reach the property owner or their agent in charge. Tenants who believe required contact information has not been properly disclosed may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the remaining provisions of Chapter 156 to understand available remedies.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.