Connecticut Senate Bill SB00666

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Maintenance Of Certain Rental Properties.

Impact

The impact of SB00666 would primarily be felt within the realm of housing regulation and property management. By allowing qualified property owners to manage maintenance themselves, the legislation could lead to greater autonomy for small landlords. This could foster a sense of responsibility among property owners who are directly involved in the upkeep of their properties. Additionally, the bill may alleviate some of the logistical burdens that property owners face when hiring external service providers, creating a potentially more efficient maintenance process.

Summary

SB00666 aims to amend the general statutes to allow owners of residential rental properties to conduct maintenance and repair work on their properties, provided they possess specific credentials, such as a mechanic's license or a degree in engineering. The bill specifically targets properties that contain four or fewer dwelling units, which often comprise the bulk of small-scale rental housing in the state. The intent of this legislation is to support small business property owners by enabling them to perform their own maintenance, reducing reliance on external contractors, and potentially lowering costs associated with property upkeep.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the qualifications required for property owners to perform maintenance work. Critics may argue that allowing landlords to take on maintenance duties without oversight could lead to substandard work, compromising tenant safety and property integrity. Questions may arise about the adequacy of the defined credentials and whether they are sufficient to ensure that property maintenance standards are upheld. Furthermore, stakeholders such as tenant advocacy groups could raise concerns about the implications for tenant protections and the quality of housing in response to this legislative change.