Cal. Civ. Code § 20.33
Bath and toilet areas
Operative Text
Bathrooms, toilet rooms and water closet compartments in tenement, lodging
and boarding houses, shall be provided with ample ventilation and light by means
of window area at least equal to 1/10 of the floor area and opening directly to the
outside air or by equivalent artificial means maintained in constant and satisfactory service.
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(216909) No. 262 Sep. 96
[Next page is 23-1.]
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(216910) No. 262 Sep. 96 Copyright 娀 2096 Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaUnder 28 Pa. Code § 20.33, bathrooms, toilet rooms, and water closet compartments in tenement, lodging, and boarding houses must have adequate ventilation and natural light. This is achieved either through windows that open directly to the outside and cover at least one-tenth of the floor area, or through an equivalent artificial ventilation and lighting system kept in continuous, satisfactory working order. The rule sets a minimum standard for air quality and illumination in these shared or rental sanitary spaces.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of tenement, lodging, and boarding houses subject to 28 Pa. Code § 20.33 are generally expected to ensure that every bathroom, toilet room, and water closet compartment meets the ventilation and lighting minimums set by the code. Compliant properties either maintain windows opening directly to the outside with a total area of at least one-tenth of the room's floor area, or keep an equivalent mechanical or artificial system running continuously and in satisfactory condition. Routine inspections of ventilation equipment and window functionality help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants residing in tenements, lodging houses, or boarding houses have a right under 28 Pa. Code § 20.33 to bathroom and toilet facilities that are adequately ventilated and lit, whether by qualifying windows or a functioning artificial system. If a bathroom lacks proper ventilation or lighting, this may constitute a housing code violation that can be reported to local municipal or county code enforcement authorities in Pennsylvania. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how to document conditions and what complaint or defense options may be available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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