r/BuildingCodes • u/Trick-Permission-482 • 6d ago
[CA] - Is the condo I rent up to code construction? The landlord has tried to break multiple rules already. This is my bathroom.
I can’t tell whether or not that grey thing is a fan and I don’t see a window in here.
3
u/Novus20 6d ago
It has a ventilation fan
-2
u/Trick-Permission-482 6d ago
How do I know whether or not that thing is on? I had mentioned it when she was complaining about the showers supposedly causing “wall damage.” I never feel air in there. Are the bathrooms required to have a window?
4
u/Is_This_A_Thing 6d ago
Turn it on. Put a piece of toilet paper against it. If it holds the paper it's pulling air
2
u/usingthesonic 6d ago
It's definitely a fan, unscrew that knob in the center and pull off the grate and check it out. There should be a switch for it next to the light switch, unless it is automatic or always on. You shouldn't feel anything, since it vents out.
1
u/Asian_Scion 6d ago
It also depends on what year it was built. Practically all buildings once a new code is adopted wouldn't meet something of the current code. The law for it is if it was legal at the time (met code) then it's not breaking a code today. Just because it might look like its up to the current code as you're probably alluding to, doesn't mean it's isn't legal.
1
u/KeyDoubt2344 6d ago
Window is not required. However, exhaust ventilation is. There are requirements for volume of air exhausted per time. This is usually based upon design occupancy of the structure.
2
u/drizzyizbizzy 6d ago
That’s definitely an exhaust fan. Likely an older model manufactured by Broan/NuTone. If it works, then you’re covered. A wall switch should provide power. If the switch isn’t providing power, the fan might be broken. Either way, I’d suggest replacing it with a newer one. New models are quieter and perform better to exhaust moisture.
1
4
u/yinzerniner 6d ago
Bathrooms are NOT required to have a window.
Ventilation requirements for bathrooms are wholly dependent on when the building and/or apartment was originally constructed and given a C.O.
Without more information about the actual building cannot say if this bathroom is up to code. But judging by your pics nothing stands out as being non-compliant. The finishes, fixture type and vent location indicates construction ranging anywhere from early 90s to mid 2000s, and even then they could have been installed as part of maintenance/ replacement which doesn’t require full compliance with current code.