(A) Scope. The provisions of this section shall govern the minimum mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment to be provided. All mechanical and electrical facilities shall comply with these requirements herein prescribed insofar as they are applicable.
(B) Responsibility. The owner of the rental building or rental unit shall provide and maintain mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not let to another for occupancy or use any rental building or rental unit which do not comply with the requirements of this section.
(C) Heating facilities and mechanical equipment.
(1) Residential buildings. Every owner of a rental building or rental unit, shall supply heat adequate to maintain therein from October 1 through May 1 of the following year, a minimum inside temperature of 68°F, at three feet above floor level in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, shower rooms, and toilet rooms or compartments, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., and not less than 60°F between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in all the rooms. Provisions of this section shall not apply where the failure to maintain minimum requirements is caused by a general shortage of fuel, neglect or malicious act of the occupant, necessary repairs or alterations, or any cause beyond the control of the owner or occupant.
(2) Mechanical appliances. All mechanical appliances and equipment shall be properly installed and maintained in safe working condition and shall be capable of performing the function for which it was designed and intended.
(3) Fuel. All fuel-burning equipment shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent, except for fuel-burning equipment and appliances which are labeled for unvented operation.
(4) Clearances. All required clearances to combustible material shall be maintained.
(5) Safety controls. All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall be maintained in operable condition.
(6) Combustion air. A supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel in the fire burning equipment and for ventilation of the space shall be provided.
(7) Fireplace. Fireplaces, and other construction and devices intended for use similar to a fireplace, shall be stable and structurally safe; connected to approved chimneys; and equipped with a damper or other approved device capable of substantially excluding air infiltration.
(8) Climate control. Facilities for interior climate control (heating, cooling and/or humidity) shall be maintained and operated in a continuous manner in accordance with the designed capacity.
(D) Electrical facilities and equipment.
(1) Electric service. Every rental unit shall be provided with an electrical system and contain at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets.
(2) Installation. All electrical equipment, wiring, and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condition.
(3) Lighting. All public hallways, stairways, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mechanical equipment rooms shall contain at least one operable electric lighting fixture.
(4) Ground fault interruptor protection. Any newly remodeled bathroom or newly installed kitchen receptacle shall have ground fault interruptor protection.
(5) Electrical system hazards. In rental buildings where the electrical system constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper wiring or installation, improper fusing, insufficient receptacle and lighting outlets, deterioration or damage, or similar reasons, the rental housing officer, shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.
(6) Elevators. In rental buildings equipped with elevators, State of Indiana inspection certificates shall be displayed in accordance with State of Indiana Code and at least one elevator shall be maintained in operation at all times when the rental building is occupied. Rental buildings equipped with only one elevator shall be allowed to take elevator temporarily out of service for service or maintenance.
(Ord. 14-2011, passed 4-11-11)