Enfield, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. III § 14-96
Roominghouses
Operative Text
No person shall operate a roominghouse, or shall occupy or let to another for occupancy any rooming unit in any roominghouse, except in compliance with the following provisions and every other provision of this housing code: (1) Water closet, hand lavatory and bath facilities. At least one water closet, lavatory basin, and bathtub or shower properly connected to an approved water and sewer system and in good working condition, shall be supplied for each four rooms within a roominghouse. All such facilities shall afford privacy and be located within the residence building served and shall be directly accessible from a common hall or passageway and shall be not more than one story removed from any of the persons sharing such facilities. Every lavatory basin and bathtub or shower shall be supplied with hot and cold water at all times. Such required facilities shall not be located in a cellar. (2) Minimum floor space for sleeping purposes. Every room occupied for sleeping purposes shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor space per occupant. (3) Bed linen and towels when supplied by operator. The operator of every roominghouse shall change supplies, bed linen and towels therein at least once a week and prior to the letting of any room to any occupant. The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance of all supplied bedding in a clean and sanitary manner. (4) Shades, drapes, etc. Every window of every rooming unit shall be supplied with shades, drawn drapes, or other devices and, the material shall meet fire safety standards which, when properly used, will afford privacy to the occupant of the rooming unit. (5) Egress. Every rooming unit shall have safe, unobstructed means of egress leading to safe and open space at ground level, as required by the statutes, ordinances and regulations of the state and the town. (6) Sanitary conditions. The operator of every roominghouse shall be responsible for the sanitary maintenance of all walls, floors, and ceilings, and for maintenance of a sanitary condition in every other part of the roominghouse; and he shall be further responsible for the sanitary maintenance of the entire premises where the entire structure or building is leased or occupied by the operator. (7) Hotels. Every provision of this chapter which applies to roominghouses shall also apply to hotels, except to the extent that any such provision may be found in conflict with the laws of this state or with the lawful regulations of any state board or agency.
Enfield Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. III § 14-96 establishes a comprehensive set of minimum standards that must be met before any rooming unit in a roominghouse can be operated, occupied, or rented. The rule covers shared bathroom facilities (at least one full set per four rooms), minimum sleeping-room floor space (70 square feet per occupant), sanitation, window privacy coverings, safe egress, and—when linens are provided—weekly changes of bed linen and towels. These requirements apply equally to hotels operating within Enfield's jurisdiction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of roominghouses subject to Enfield Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. III § 14-96 generally maintain a ratio of at least one water closet, lavatory basin, and bathtub or shower for every four rooms, ensuring those facilities are accessible from a common hallway, supplied with hot and cold water at all times, and located no more than one floor away from the occupants who share them. Compliant operators also verify that each sleeping room contains at least 70 square feet per occupant, that all windows are fitted with privacy coverings meeting fire-safety standards, and that clear egress paths are kept unobstructed. When bedding and linens are furnished, operators under this section change them at least once per week and before any new occupant takes possession of a room.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Enfield Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. III § 14-96, tenants in a roominghouse are entitled to shared bathroom facilities in good working condition, a sleeping room of at least 70 square feet per person, privacy window coverings, and a safe, unobstructed way out of the building. If any of these conditions are not being met—such as inadequate bathroom access, insufficient room size, or missing egress—tenants may have grounds to raise those deficiencies as a violation of the housing code with Enfield's local housing or code enforcement office. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Connecticut housing law can help tenants understand the options available to them 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 November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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