New Britain, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 13 § 13-119
Lighting and ventilation requirements for bathroom and water closet compartments
Operative Text
Every bathroom and water closet compartment shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable rooms contained in sections 13-117 and 13-118 , except that no window or skylight shall be required in such rooms if they are equipped with adequate ventilating systems in good working condition and approved by the appropriate authorities.
New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 5 § 13-119 requires that every bathroom and water closet compartment meet the same lighting and ventilation standards that apply to habitable rooms under sections 13-117 and 13-118. However, the rule carves out an exception: a window or skylight is not mandatory if the space is instead equipped with a ventilating system that is in good working condition and has been approved by the appropriate local authorities. In other words, either natural ventilation through an opening or a compliant mechanical system must be present in every such room.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 5 § 13-119, compliant property operators generally ensure that every bathroom and water closet compartment either has a window or skylight meeting the standards of sections 13-117 and 13-118, or is fitted with a mechanical ventilating system that is kept in good working order and carries approval from the relevant local authorities. Operators who rely on mechanical ventilation typically document that approval and maintain service records to demonstrate ongoing compliance. Routine inspections of ventilation equipment help confirm that systems remain in the 'good working condition' the ordinance requires.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 13-119 of the New Britain Code of Ordinances ch. 13, art. II, div. 5 establishes a right to adequate lighting and ventilation in every bathroom and water closet compartment, whether through a window, skylight, or an approved mechanical system in good working order. If a bathroom lacks both a proper natural opening and a functioning, authority-approved ventilation system, that condition may constitute a code violation that tenants can raise with local housing or code enforcement officials. Tenant-rights organizations in Connecticut can help residents understand how to document such conditions and what complaint or defense options may be available under local and state 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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