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1. I live in an apartment building, who is responsible for keeping the hallways and outside common areas clean and sanitary?

This is addressed in your lease agreement. Typically, tenants are responsible for those areas which they control. The landlord or property owner is responsible for the upkeep of all other common areas unless other agreements are made.

2. Are smoke/fire alarms required in my apartment or home?

Absolutely! Smoke alarms are one of the cheapest and most important safety precautions in any environment. All sleeping rooms and the area immediate outside of a sleeping room are mandatory required locations. Additionally, at least one smoke alarm must be installed on every level of a dwelling.

See a diagram of required smoke detector locations.

3. I recently found mold in the place that I rent, is this a violation and is it hazardous to my health?

This is a yes/no/maybe question. Mold in itself is not a specific violation in the property maintenance code. The code does state that all buildings/homes must be weather tight and sanitary. Mold is primarily caused by excessive moisture. This can occur as a result of rain, snow melt, leaking plumbing, humidity, shower/bath, cooking, etc. Health effects from mold range from very mild to very severe. The same mold may cause a slight irritation for one person and be deadly to another. Regardless of the type of mold in your dwelling, it needs to be eliminated and the initial cause of the mold needs to located and corrected.

Review a Center for Disease Control Mold Abatement Flyer (PDF).

4. Can I operate a business out of my home?

Some businesses are allowed without permits, some are allowed with the approval of a use permit, and others are not allowed in a residential zoning district.

Contact the Planning Department to obtain more information prior to starting the business.