Old Saybrook, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 166 (2026) § 166-5
Minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities (Old Saybrook Rental Housing Standards)
Operative Text
No person shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit, for the purposes of living, sleeping, cooking or eating therein, which does not comply with the following requirements: A. Every dwelling unit shall have a room or portion of a room in which food may be prepared and/or cooked, which shall have adequate circulation area, and which shall be equipped with the following: (1) A kitchen sink in good working condition and properly connected to a water supply system which is approved by the appropriate authority and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure and which is connected to a sewer system approved under the provisions of the Connecticut Public Health Code. (2) Cabinets and/or shelves for the storage of eating, drinking, and cooking equipment and utensils and of food that does not under ordinary summer conditions require refrigeration for safe keeping; and a counter or table for food preparation; said cabinets and/or shelves and counter or table shall be of sound construction furnished with surfaces that are easily cleanable and that will not impart any toxic or harmful effect to food. (3) A stove for cooking food, and a refrigerator for the safe storage of food at temperatures less than 45° F. but more than 32° F. under ordinary maximum summer conditions, which are properly installed with all necessary connections for safe, sanitary and efficient operation; provided that such stove and refrigerator need not be installed when a dwelling unit is not occupied and when the occupant is expected to provide same on occupancy, and that sufficient space and adequate connections for the safe and efficient installation and operation of said stove and refrigerator are provided. B. Within every dwelling unit there shall be a nonhabitable room which affords privacy to a person within said room and which is equipped with a flush water closet in good working condition. Said flush water closet shall be equipped with easily cleanable surfaces, be properly connected to a water system that at all times provides an adequate amount of running water under pressure to cause the water closet to be operated properly, and shall be properly connected to a sewer system which is approved under the provisions of the Connecticut Public Health Code. C. Within every dwelling unit there shall be a lavatory sink. Said lavatory sink may be in the same room as the flush water closet, or, if located in another room, the lavatory sink shall be located in close proximity to the door leading directly into the room in which said water closet is located. The lavatory sink shall be in good working condition and properly connected to a water supply system which is approved by the appropriate authority and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure, and which is properly connected to a sewer system approved under the provisions of the Connecticut Public Health Code. Water inlets for lavatory sinks shall be located above the overflow rim of these facilities. D. Within every dwelling unit there shall be a room which affords privacy to a person within said room and which is equipped with a bathtub or shower in good working condition. Said bathtub or shower may be in the same rooms as the flush water closet or in another room and shall be properly connected to a water supply system which is approved by the appropriate authority and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated water under pressure, and which is connected to a sewer system approved under the provisions of the Connecticut Public Health Code. Water inlets for bathtubs shall be located above the overflow rim of these facilities. (1) Bathtubs and showers are not required in summer dwellings. If interior showers are installed they shall be connected to a sewer system approved under the provisions of the Connecticut Public Health Code. (2) Exterior showers shall be drained in such a way as not to cause a nuisance. E. Every dwelling unit shall have means of egress as required by the State of Connecticut Building Code. F. Structurally sound handrails shall be provided on any steps containing two risers or more. Porches, patios, and/or balconies located more than three feet higher than the adjacent area shall have structurally sound protective guard or handrails as specified by the State of Connecticut Building Code. G. Access to or egress from each dwelling unit shall be provided without passing through any other dwelling unit. H. No person shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit unless all exterior doors of the dwelling or dwelling unit are equipped with functioning locking devices.
Old Saybrook Code of Ordinances ch. 166 § 166-5 establishes a baseline set of physical conditions that every rental dwelling unit must meet before it can lawfully be rented for living, sleeping, cooking, or eating. The rule covers a broad range of facilities — including a functional kitchen area with sink, stove, refrigerator, and food-storage surfaces; a private bathroom with a flush toilet; a lavatory sink with hot and cold running water; a private bathtub or shower; safe means of egress; structurally sound handrails and guardrails; independent access to each unit; and working locks on all exterior doors. All plumbing must connect to water supply and sewer systems approved under the Connecticut Public Health Code. These requirements apply to the dwelling at the time it is let, meaning the landlord bears responsibility for ensuring compliance before occupancy begins.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Old Saybrook Code ch. 166 § 166-5, operators who rent residential units generally ensure that each unit is fully equipped and functional before a tenancy begins — this includes verifying that kitchen sinks, lavatory sinks, bathtubs or showers, and flush toilets are all in good working order and connected to approved water and sewer systems. Compliant operators also confirm that kitchen appliances such as stoves and refrigerators are properly installed (or that adequate space and connections are provided if the tenant will supply them), that food-storage surfaces are cleanable and non-toxic, and that all exterior doors have functioning locks. Handrails, guardrails, egress routes, and independent unit access are also part of the pre-rental checklist that diligent property managers typically maintain under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 166-5 of the Old Saybrook Code of Ordinances gives renters a legal basis to expect that their unit will include a working kitchen, private bathroom with toilet, lavatory sink, bathtub or shower, safe egress, proper handrails, independent unit access, and locking exterior doors — all before they move in. If any of these required facilities are absent or non-functional, that condition may constitute a violation of this provision, which tenants can document and raise with local code enforcement or housing authorities in Old Saybrook. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services familiar with Connecticut housing law can help renters understand the range of options available, such as filing a complaint or raising a code violation as a defense in a related proceeding.
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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