Rental Housing Sanitary
Requirements

To prevent disease and protect the health of occupants, sanitary requirements for rental housing are provided in local minimum housing codes. These codes govern the minimum requirements for dwelling unit sanitary facilities. Having adequate and properly operating sanitary facilities is definitely "on the most wanted list" for both tenants and landlords alike.

Lets take a look at some of the minimum requirements that housing codes may have concerning rental property sanitary facilities. To get the exact requirements that apply to your property, you'll need to review the minimum housing code for the city or town where your property is located. This is because different localities have different housing code regulations.

Dwelling Unit Sanitary Requirements

• Each dwelling unit shall have its own sanitary facilities. These facilities shall be adequate for personal hygiene and waste disposal, and shall provide for privacy and operate in good condition.
• At least one toilet and one wash sink (lavatory basin) shall be provided for every eight* occupants residing within a dwelling unit.
• At least one bath shall be provided for every eight* occupants living within a dwelling unit.
• The kitchen shall be equipped with a kitchen sink that is supplied with both hot and cold running water. In addition, the kitchen area shall have enough space to adequately store and prepare food.
• Every toilet, sink basin, and bathtub or shower shall be properly connected to an approved water supply and sewer system as specified by local plumbing regulations.
• All bathroom facilities shall provide the user with privacy and shall be separated from food preparation areas by a tight fitting door.
• Refrigerators, stoves and other food preparation equipment shall be in proper working order.
• Areas within the dwelling unit shall be in clean condition according to normally acceptable household cleaning standards. This includes the proper disposal of garbage in receptacles and its removal from the dwelling unit.

*Refer to your local minimum housing code for specific requirements.

And that covers the basics on sanitary facility requirements for rental housing. You'll certainly be "as clean as a whistle" if your rental property meets the sanitary code requirements.

For more information on rental housing sanitary requirements, please visit The Landlord's Library book collection. It provides great, practical information that can truly improve your success as a residential landlord.