Not many people are aware of this, but the Town of Fairfield requires that a "Certificate of Rental Occupancy" be filed with the Health Department prior to a tenant taking possession of residential property pursuant to a lease agreement. Once the application is filed, the Town schedules an inspection, and following a satisfactory inspection, the Certificate is issued.
There are substantial per diem civil penalties for failing to comply, but noncompliance may also result in criminal charges being brought through Housing Court.
We at the Law Offices of Victoria Ferrara represent both landlords and tenants, and would be happy to advise you, protect your rights, and assist you in compliance with applicable law.
http://www.victoriaferrara.com/
