reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
31 DE Code § 4041. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 40. The Delaware State Housing Authority|Subchapter IV. Council on Housing|§ 4041. Investigative powers; power to compel assistance of witnesses and production of books.

§ 4041. Investigative powers; power to compel assistance of witnesses and production of books. (a) The Council may investigate the affairs of housing authorities and all urban renewal and rehabilitation activities by municipal, county and regional agencies and authorities and the dealings, transactions or relationships of such authorities with other persons. The Council may act through a committee of its members in conducting any of the investigations provided for in this chapter and the chairperson of any such committee shall have all the powers of the Council. Each member of the Council may administer oaths, take affidavits and make personal inspections of all places to which that member's duties relate. The Council may subpoena and require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers pertaining to the investigations and inquiries authorized in this chapter and examine them in relation to any matter it has power to investigate and issue commissions for the examination of witnesses who are out of the State or unable to attend before the Council or are excused from attendance. (b) The Council may hold hearings at such places and at such times as shall be determined by the Council to hear complaints on housing by any aggrieved person as contemplated by this chapter. The procedure outlined in subsection (a) of this section shall apply to such hearings. Written reports shall be rendered in all cases to the Housing Director within 10 days after such hearing. The notice of complaint by any aggrieved person shall be in writing stating the nature thereof and may be made to any member of the Council. (c) Upon the failure of any person to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Council, the Council may seek an order from the Superior Court of the county in which the person subpoenaed resides, has a place of business or can be found, to show cause why that person should not be held in contempt for failure to comply with the subpoena. 71 Del. Laws, c. 357, §  6;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4050. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 40. The Delaware State Housing Authority|Subchapter V. Delaware Housing Insurance Fund|§ 4050. Delaware Housing Insurance Fund.

§ 4050. Delaware Housing Insurance Fund. The Delaware Home Improvement Insurance Fund is renamed the Delaware Housing Insurance Fund. DSHA may insure upon such terms as it may prescribe, any mortgage consistent with the purposes of this chapter. Fees shall be established for said insurance in an amount sufficient to cover administrative costs accrued for this program as well as payments made where defaults on mortgages cause losses to lenders. DSHA, with approval of the Secretary of Finance and the Council on Housing, may borrow from the Delaware Housing Insurance Fund for any lawful purpose with respect to any housing program or financing with respect thereof. 71 Del. Laws, c. 357, §  6;
31 DE Code § 4101. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4101. Title and scope.

§ 4101. Title and scope. This chapter shall be known as the Delaware State Housing Code which establishes minimum property maintenance standards for structures covered by this chapter and is herein sometimes referred to as the “State Housing Code” or “Code” and shall apply to and include the entire State except as may be exempted by this chapter. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4102. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4102. Purpose.

§ 4102. Purpose. This chapter is intended to protect the public safety, health and welfare in existing residential structures and on existing residential premises, as hereinafter provided by:  (1) Establishing minimum maintenance standards for existing residential structures and premises for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, heat and sanitation; for safety from fire; for space; and for safe and sanitary maintenance of existing structures and premises; (2) Fixing the responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants of all structures; and (3) Providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4103. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4103. Applicability.

§ 4103. Applicability. The State Housing Code shall apply to existing residential structures used for human habitation. The provisions are designed to eliminate or prevent substandard conditions with respect to structures, protect against fire hazards, provide for adequate space for light and air, provide for proper heating and ventilating and eliminate unsanitary conditions and overcrowding. Every portion of a building or premises used or intended to be used for residential purposes shall comply with this chapter, except hotels and motels serving transient guests only, migratory labor housing, rest homes, convalescent homes, nursing homes, recreational campers and civil defense shelters. For the purpose of this chapter, regulations by the State Department of Health and Social Services for Migratory Labor Camps will apply to migrant housing. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4104. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4104. Liberal interpretation.

§ 4104. Liberal interpretation. The entire chapter shall be liberally interpreted so as to minimize displacement of persons whose dwelling units may deviate from this chapter's specifications but do not pose an imminent threat to the health, safety and general welfare of the occupants and other persons. Additionally, this chapter is to be liberally interpreted so as to minimize hardships to persons that inhabit or own dwelling units which deviate from this chapter's specifications but do not pose an imminent threat to the health, safety and general welfare of the occupants and other persons. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4105. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4105. Exemptions.

§ 4105. Exemptions. (a) This chapter does not replace or modify requirements otherwise established for the construction, repair, alteration or use of buildings and facilities related thereto. (b) Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to abolish or impair existing rights or remedies of a county or municipality or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings which are deemed to be unsafe or unsanitary. (c) The Delaware State Housing Code shall not apply to any existing single family owner-occupied residential structure. The provisions shall become and remain applicable upon the rental or sale of such residential structure after July 17, 1990. The Delaware State Housing Code shall not apply to any existing resort residential structure with an occupancy limited to the months of May through September inclusively. (d) When there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this Code, such that the literal application of the requirements of the Code would cause undue hardship or the displacement of low income occupants with no affordable housing alternatives, the code official is permitted to vary or modify such provision or provisions upon written application of the owner or the owner's representative; provided, that the spirit and intent of the law shall be observed and public welfare and safety be assured. (e) The State Housing Code shall not be administered in any community which has enacted its own code which contains minimum standards for the promotion and protection of the safety and health of the public which are equal to or exceed the standards established by subchapter II of this chapter and administration and enforcement procedures which are substantially equivalent to those set forth in subchapter III of this chapter, as determined by the Housing Director. At the request of any community which has adopted a housing code, the Housing Director shall provide written notice to the community of its determination, stating the reasons therefore. Provided, however, that if such community thereafter seeks to amend, alter or otherwise change its housing code, it shall provide the Housing Director with a copy of such proposed change. In such a case, the Housing Director shall notify such community in writing within 60 days of receipt of such proposed change of its determination whether such proposed change meets the standards set forth in this subsection, and, in such case, the State Housing Code shall not be administered in such community, notwithstanding such amendment or change. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §§  1-3;
31 DE Code § 4107. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4107. Adoption by reference.

§ 4107. Adoption by reference. Any community in Delaware may adopt the State Housing Code as its own municipal or county housing code by reference to this title and chapter of the Delaware Code. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4108. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4108. Enforcement authority.

§ 4108. Enforcement authority. It shall be the duty and responsibility of each community to enforce the State Housing Code throughout the confines of that municipality or county. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4109. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4109. Enforcement by State or community.

§ 4109. Enforcement by State or community. In the event that after 3 years subsequent to the adoption of the State Housing Code by the General Assembly a community has not undertaken to enforce this chapter, the Housing Director, acting as the code official, may begin enforcement within that community, subject to this chapter. Any community may contract with another community to act on its behalf in the enforcement of this chapter. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  67 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  7;
31 DE Code § 4110. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter I. Applicability and Adoption|§ 4110. Coordination of enforcement.

§ 4110. Coordination of enforcement. Inspection of premises and the issuing of orders in connection therewith under this chapter shall be the exclusive responsibility of the code official. When, in the opinion of the code official, it is necessary or desirable to have inspections of any conditions by any other community or state agency, the code official shall arrange for this to be done in such a manner that the owners or occupants of the dwelling shall not be subjected to visits by numerous inspectors nor to multiple or conflicting orders. No order for correction of any violation under this section, when coordination of enforcement is required, shall be issued without the approval of the code official and, before issuing any such order, the code official shall obtain the concurrence of any other department or agency having jurisdiction thereover. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4111. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings|§ 4111. General provisions.

§ 4111. General provisions. This subchapter shall describe the minimum conditions of residential premises and buildings to be used for human occupancy. Every residential building or structure occupied by humans, except as exempted by §§ 4103 and 4105 of this title and its premises shall comply with the conditions and standards herein prescribed when a deviation from such conditions and standards poses an imminent threat to the health, safety and general welfare of the occupants and other persons. The code official may cause periodic inspections to be made of residential buildings and premises to secure compliance with these requirements. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4112. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings|§ 4112. Premises conditions.

§ 4112. Premises conditions. (a) Responsibility of owner. — The owner of buildings and premises shall maintain such buildings and premises in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or let to another for occupancy or use premises which do not comply with the following requirements of this section. (b) Vacant structures and land. — All vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause blight or adversely affect the public health or safety. (c) Sanitation. — All premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. (d) Containers. — Garbage, vegetable wastes or other putrescible materials shall be stored in leakproof containers, provided with close-fitting covers, for the storage of such materials until removed from the premises for disposal. (e) Grading and drainage. — All premises shall be graded and maintained so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon. (f) Insect and rat control. — All premises shall remain free of insects, rats, vermin or other pests in all exterior areas of the premises. An owner shall be responsible for extermination, except that the occupant shall be responsible for such extermination in the exterior areas of the premises of a single-family dwelling. Extermination in the shared or public parts of the premises of other than a single-family dwelling shall be the responsibility of the owner. (g) Noxious weeds. — All premises in predominately residential areas shall be kept free from weeds or plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to the public health and welfare and shall be trimmed to a height of not more than 12 inches. (h) Exhaust vents. — Except as to previously existing and operating exhaust systems, no person shall construct, maintain or operate pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers discharging gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes so as to discharge directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or property of another tenant. (i) Accessory structures. — All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in compliance with §§ 4113 and 4114 of this title. (j) Motor vehicles. — All premises, except as provided in other regulations, shall not contain any unregistered or uninspected or junk vehicle that poses a threat to the health, safety and general welfare of the occupants or other persons. Not more than 2 currently unregistered or uninspected vehicles, owned by the occupants, that do not pose a threat to the occupants or other persons' health and safety shall be parked in a predominantly residential area. Said vehicles shall not be in a state of disassembly or disrepair. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4114. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings|§ 4114. Interior structure.

§ 4114. Interior structure. (a) In general. — The interior of a structure and its equipment shall be maintained structurally sound and in a sanitary condition so as not to pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants and to protect the occupants from the environment. (b) Structural members. — The supporting structural members of every building shall be maintained structurally sound, not showing any evidence of deterioration which would render them incapable of carrying the imposed loads. (c) Interior surfaces. — Floors, walls, including windows and doors, ceilings and other interior surfaces shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. (d) Lead-based paint. — Lead-based paint with a lead content of more than 0.5 percent shall not be applied to any interior or exterior surface of a dwelling or dwelling unit, including fences and outbuildings upon any premises. (e) Bathroom and kitchen floors. — Every toilet, bathroom and kitchen floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition. (f) Free from dampness. — Cellars, basements and crawl spaces shall be maintained free from standing water so as to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure. (g) Sanitation. — The interior of every structure shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition free from any accumulation of rubbish, refuse or garbage. Rubbish, garbage and other refuse shall be properly kept inside temporary storage facilities. (h) Public halls and stairways. — Garbage or refuse shall not be allowed to accumulate or be stored in public halls or stairways. (i) Insect and rat harborage. — All structures shall be kept free from insect and rat infestation, and where insects or rats are found they shall be promptly exterminated by acceptable processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation. (j) Exit doors. — Every door available as an exit shall be capable of being opened easily from the inside. (k) Exit facilities — Adequacy. — Stairs, porches, railings and other exit facilities shall be adequate for safety. (l) Same — Maintenance. — All interior stairs and railings and other exit facilities of every structure shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair by replacing treads and risers that evidence excessive wear or are broken, warped or loose. Every inside stair shall be so constructed and maintained as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the anticipated loads. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4117. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings|§ 4117. Heating, cooking and refrigeration facilities.

§ 4117. Heating, cooking and refrigeration facilities. (a) Heating. — Every dwelling unit and guest room shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 65° F., at a point 3 feet above the floor and 3 feet from an exterior wall in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms. (b) Cooking facilities. — In every dwelling unit that contains cooking and baking facilities for the purpose of preparation of food, such facilities shall be properly installed by the owner and operated and kept in a clean and sanitary working condition by the occupant. (c) Refrigeration. — In every dwelling unit that contains a refrigeration unit for the temporary preservation of perishable foods, such unit shall be capable of maintaining an average temperature below 45° F. and shall be properly installed by the owner and operated and kept in a clean and sanitary working condition by the occupant. (d) Cooking and heating equipment. — All cooking and heating equipment, components and accessories in every heating, cooking and water heating device shall be maintained free from leaks and obstructions and kept functioning properly so as to be free from fire, health and accident hazards. (e) Installation. — All mechanical equipment shall be properly installed and safely maintained in good working condition and be capable of performing the function for which it was designed and intended. (f) Flue. — All fuel-burning equipment designed to be connected to a flue, chimney or vent shall be connected in an approved manner. (g) Clearances. — All required clearances from combustible materials shall be maintained. (h) Safety controls. — All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall be maintained in effective operation. (i) Combustion air. — A supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel and for ventilation of the space shall be provided to the fuel-burning equipment. (j) Fireplaces. — Fireplaces and other devices intended for use similar to a fireplace, including wood-and-coal-burning stoves, shall be stable and structurally safe and connected to approved chimneys. (k) Climate control. — When facilities for interior climate control (heating, cooling or humidity) are integral functions of structures used as dwelling units, such facilities shall be maintained and operated in a continuous manner in accordance with the designed capacity. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;
31 DE Code § 4118. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 31 - Welfare|Chapter 41. Delaware State Housing Code|Subchapter II. Minimum Conditions of Premises and Buildings|§ 4118. Electrical facilities.

§ 4118. Electrical facilities. (a) Outlets required. — Where there is electric service available to a structure, every habitable room of a dwelling unit and every guest room shall contain at least 2 separate and remote outlets, 1 of which may be a ceiling or wall type electric light fixture. In a kitchen, 3 separate and remote wall type electric convenience outlets or 2 such convenience outlets and 1 ceiling or wall type electric light fixture shall be provided. Every public hall, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room or furnace room shall contain at least 1 electric light fixture; in addition to the electric light fixture in every bathroom and laundry room, there shall be provided at least 1 electric outlet. (b) Installation. — All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be installed and maintained in a safe manner in accordance with all applicable laws. All electrical equipment shall be of an approved type. (c) Correction of defective system. — Where it is found, in the opinion of the code official, that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage or for similar reasons, the code official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard. 65 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;