Greenwich, Conn., Town Code ch. 5 § 5-45
Unfit dwellings designated; condemnation
Operative Text
(a) Any dwelling or dwelling unit which is found to have any of the following defects shall be condemned as unfit for human habitation and shall be so designated and placarded by the Director of Health. (1) One which is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, insanitary, or vermin-infested that it creates a serious hazard to the health of the occupants or of the public. (2) One which lacks illumination, ventilation, or sanitation facilities adequate to protect the health of the occupants or of the public as prescribed by the provisions of this Chapter. (3) One which because of its general condition or location is insanitary, or otherwise dangerous to the health of the occupants or of the public.
Greenwich Town Code ch. 5 § 5-45 establishes the conditions under which a dwelling or dwelling unit may be officially condemned as unfit for human habitation. When the Director of Health finds that a dwelling is severely damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, or vermin-infested, lacks adequate light, ventilation, or sanitation, or is otherwise dangerous due to its condition or location, the unit must be formally designated and placarded as unfit. This condemnation process is a public health measure intended to protect both occupants and the broader community.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Greenwich Town Code ch. 5 § 5-45, property owners and managers are generally expected to maintain dwellings in a condition that avoids the defects triggering condemnation — including structural decay, vermin infestations, and inadequate ventilation, lighting, or sanitation. A compliant operator routinely inspects units, addresses deterioration promptly, and ensures all facilities meet the health standards outlined in Chapter 5. A placard designating a unit as unfit for human habitation signals a formal enforcement action by the Director of Health that typically requires remediation before the unit may be reoccupied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Greenwich Town Code ch. 5 § 5-45 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when a dwelling exhibits serious defects such as decay, vermin infestation, or inadequate sanitation or ventilation. If a unit has been placarded as unfit for human habitation by the Director of Health, that designation may be relevant to housing complaints, code enforcement proceedings, or other legal matters. Tenants who believe their dwelling meets the conditions described in § 5-45 may consider contacting the Greenwich Director of Health, a local tenant-rights organization, or seeking guidance from a licensed attorney familiar with Connecticut housing law.
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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