At least one flush water closet, lavatory basin and bathtub
or shower, properly connected to a water and sewer system approved
by the Secretary and in good working condition, shall be supplied
for each six persons or fraction thereof residing within a rooming
house, including members of the operator's family wherever they
share the use of said facilities, provided that:
A. In a rooming house where rooms are let only to males, flush urinals
may be substituted for not more than 1/2 of the required number of
water closets.
B. All such facilities shall be so located within the dwelling so as
to be reasonably accessible from a common hall or passageway to all
persons sharing such facilities.
C. Every lavatory basin and bathtub or shower shall be supplied with
heated and unheated water under pressure at all times.
D. No such facility is located in a basement.
The following provisions shall apply in all rooming houses:
A. Cooking in dormitory rooms and rooming units is prohibited.
B. Communal cooking and dining facilities in a rooming house are prohibited,
except as approved by the Secretary.
Every room in a rooming house shall have immediate access to
one or more approved means of egress as required by the Building Regulations
for Protection from Fire and Panic, and its amendments, as promulgated
by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Structurally sound handrails shall be provided on any steps
containing five risers or more. If steps are not enclosed, balusters
spaced not more than six inches apart shall be provided. Porches and/or
balconies located more than three feet higher than the adjacent areas
shall similarly be provided with handrails, and, if unenclosed, balusters
spaced not more than six inches apart shall also be provided.
Unless exempted by the Secretary, the operator of a rooming
house shall change supplied clean bed linens and towels therein at
least once a week and prior to letting any room to any occupant; and
the operator shall be responsible for the maintenance of all supplied
bedding in a clean and sanitary manner.