Waterbury, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 154 § 154.072
RODENT PROOFING (Waterbury Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every basement or cellar window used or intended to be used for ventilation, and every other opening to a basement which might provide an entry for rodents, shall be equipped with a screen or such other device as will effectively prevent their entrance. (1967 Code, § 9-47) Penalty, see § 10.99
Waterbury, Conn., Code of Ordinances ch. 154 § 154.072 establishes that basement and cellar windows used for ventilation, along with any other basement openings that could serve as rodent entry points, must be fitted with screens or equivalent barriers that effectively block rodents from entering. The rule applies to all such openings regardless of their primary purpose, so long as they present a potential access route. The standard is functional — the device used must actually prevent rodent entry, not merely reduce it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 154.072, compliant property operators generally inspect all basement and cellar ventilation windows and other ground-level openings to confirm that screens or equivalent rodent-blocking devices are in place and in good working condition. Routine maintenance checks help ensure that screens remain intact and that no new openings have developed over time that could provide rodent access. Keeping documentation of inspections and any repairs made to screening or barriers is a common practice among operators managing properties subject to this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 154.072 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if basement or cellar openings in their building lack adequate rodent-proofing screens or barriers. Tenants who observe unscreened ventilation windows or other unprotected basement openings may report the condition to Waterbury's local housing or code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and cite violations. Consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with Connecticut housing code can help tenants understand the general enforcement paths available 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 September 17, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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