Old Saybrook, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 (2026) § 166-12
Conduct of inspections (Old Saybrook Rental Housing Standards)
Operative Text
A. The Board of Selectmen shall enforce the provisions of this code and is hereby authorized and directed to make inspections pursuant to the plans for inspection authorized by § 166-11A ; or in response to a complaint that an alleged violation of the provisions of this code or of applicable rules or regulations pursuant thereto may exist; or when the Board of Selectmen have valid reason to believe that a violation of this code or any rules and regulations pursuant thereto has been or is being committed. The Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized to designate as agents each member of the Board of Selectmen, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Building Official, the Town Sanitarian, the Director of Health and the Fire Marshal. Any or all of the aforementioned persons may make inspections on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. B. The Board of Selectmen and/or its designated agents are hereby authorized to enter and inspect between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. all dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses and rooming units subject to the provisions of this code for the purpose of determining whether there is compliance with its provisions. C. The Board of Selectmen and/or its designated agents is hereby authorized to inspect the premises surrounding dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses and rooming units subject to this code, for the purpose of determining whether there is compliance with its provisions. D. The Board of Selectmen and/or its designated agents and the owner, occupant or other person in charge of a dwelling and dwelling unit and rooming unit and rooming house, subject to this code may agree to an inspection by appointment at a time other than the hours provided in Subsection B of this section. E. The owner, occupant or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming unit or rooming house upon presentation of proper identification by the appropriate authority, a copy of any relevant plan of inspection pursuant to which entry is sought, and a schedule of the specific areas and facilities to be inspected shall give the appropriate authority entry and free access to every part of the dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit to the premises surrounding any of these. F. The Board of Selectmen shall keep confidential all evidence exclusive of the inspection record, which it may discover or obtain in the course of an inspection made pursuant to this section, and such evidence shall be considered privileged. G. If any owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit, or of a multiple dwelling or a rooming house subject to licensing under § 166-13 , fails or refuses to permit free access and entry to the structure or premises under his or her control, or any part thereof, with respect to which an inspection authorized by this code is sought to be made, the Board of Selectmen may, upon a showing that probable cause exists for the inspection and for the issuance of an order directing compliance with the inspection requirements of this section with respect to such dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming unit, multiple dwelling, or rooming house, petition and obtain such order from a court of competent jurisdiction. H. When required, the Board of Selectmen shall obtain the necessary order from the court to conduct the inspection.
Old Saybrook, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 § 166-12 establishes the framework under which local officials may inspect residential dwellings, dwelling units, rooming houses, and rooming units for code compliance. Inspections may be triggered by a scheduled plan, a complaint, or a reasonable belief that a violation exists, and must generally occur between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless another time is mutually agreed upon. Evidence gathered during an inspection—beyond the official inspection record itself—is treated as confidential and privileged. If access is denied, officials may seek a court order upon a showing of probable cause.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 166-12, compliant property owners and managers in Old Saybrook generally cooperate with inspectors who present proper identification, a copy of any applicable inspection plan, and a schedule of areas to be inspected. Inspections are ordinarily conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., though owners may arrange an alternative appointment time by mutual agreement with the Board of Selectmen or its designated agents. Operators who refuse or obstruct access risk having the Board of Selectmen petition a court for a compliance order authorizing entry.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 166-12 of Old Saybrook's housing code gives occupants a degree of procedural protection during inspections: inspectors must present proper identification and relevant documentation before an occupant is required to grant access. Occupants also have the option to agree to an inspection appointment outside the standard 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. window, and any evidence beyond the official inspection record that officials gather is treated as confidential. Tenants who believe an inspection was conducted improperly or that a housing violation exists may raise those concerns with the Board of Selectmen or consult a tenant-rights organization 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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