UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Minimum Habitability Requirements

 

When it comes to leasing, you have rights.  While it is important for you to be a good tenant, it is just as important for your landlord to fulfill their obligations as a property owner.  The following are some minimum habitability requirements that a landlord must meet.  For a more detailed list of code requirements, please visit the River Falls municipal code page.

  • Units must be clean and sanitary prior to moving in.
  • Inspection of a unit can be performed with 12 hours notice prior to entering the unit.
  • Every owner is responsible for providing and installing furnace filters.
  • Any corrections deemed necessary through inspection must be completed within 30 days.
  • A building number visible from the street is required.
  • A working kitchen sink and sanitary sewer system is required.
  • Bathrooms must have a working flush water closet, a lavatory basin and a bathtub or shower.
  • Ground level units must have egress windows as a means of escape in an emergency. 
  • Insect screens are required May to October and property owners are required to install and service the screens.
  • Windows, skylights, exterior doors, and basement hatchways shall be reasonably weather tight, watertight, secure, and rodent proof.
  • Owners are responsible for insect/rodent extermination.
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning of public/shared areas.
  • Every bedroom must have at least one window or door that opens to the outdoors.
  • Every bathroom must have a window that opens or an exhaust fan.
  • All plumbing fixtures must be maintained in a safe, sanitary and functional condition, free from obstructions, leaks, and defects.
  • Units must have hot running water.
  • Units must have permanent heating that can maintain 70 degrees fahrenheit.
  • All rooms must have at least three separate or remote electric outlets.
  • Basement bedrooms must have an emergency escape window no more than 46 inches above the floor with an opening of at least 20 inches by 24 inches.
  • Smoke alarms must be installed in any building occupied for sleeping purposes.


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25H North Hall
715-425-3344
FAX 715-425-4980