The purpose of this article is to protect the public health, safety, morals and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions essential to make the aforesaid facilities fit for human habitation, occupancy and use; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners and operators, and distinct and separate responsibilities and duties upon occupants; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of premises; and to provide for the repair, demolition or vacation of premises unfit for human habitation or occupancy or use. This article is hereby declared to be remedial and essential for the public's interest and it is intended that this article be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes as stated herein.
(1978 Code Sec. 5-18)