Rental Property Plumbing and Heating
System Minimum Code Requirements

To be legal, residential rental properties must comply with plumbing and heating system minimum code requirements. These requirements form part of a more comprehensive code, and are established by local and state agencies to protect the health, safety and comfort of dwelling occupants.

In general, the main aspects of minimum housing codes that cover plumbing and heating systems require that every residential rental unit shall provide the following…

1.) Water supply and drainage pipes that work properly and do not leak,

2.) A working sink (with hot and cold water) in both the kitchen and bathroom,

3.) A flush toilet in the bathroom that operates properly,

4.) A private room that has a properly working shower or bathtub fixture,

5.) Hot water supplied at a minimum code temperature* to all sink, shower, and bathtub fixtures, and

6.) A heating system that is properly installed and vented and is capable of heating each room to a minimum code temperature* during the heating season.

So, to protect the health and safety of your tenants, and to avoid housing code violations, it's imperative to keep your property in a state of good repair. Both your tenants and bottom line will benefit. Also, since housing codes may differ depending on where you live, it's necessary to comply with the code for your specific locality.

*Check the minimum temperature required by the housing code for your particular area.

For more information about plumbing and heating system minimum code requirements, please visit The Landlord's Library book collection. It's a terrific, one-stop source for practical, comprehensive information on the entire subject of residential landlording.

Return from Plumbing and Heating System Minimum Code
Requirements to Rental Housing Codes