Connecticut House Bill HB05126

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/10/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Assessment Of Real Property Used For Rental Income.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5126 could substantially affect the way properties used for rental income are assessed for tax purposes in the state. By eliminating the requirement for property owners to disclose rental income data, assessors would rely on a different set of criteria for valuing these properties. This change may lead to more standardized assessments that do not reflect the actual income-generating capabilities of rental properties, which could impact local tax revenues dependent on accurate property valuations. The bill has the potential to benefit landlords and investors by making it easier to manage rental properties, but it may raise concerns regarding fairness in property tax assessments.

Summary

House Bill 5126 proposes significant changes to the assessment of real property that generates rental income. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend section 12-63c of the General Statutes, effectively prohibiting assessors from requiring property owners to disclose information about rental income and associated operating expenses. This legislative effort aims to simplify the assessment process for properties primarily used for rental purposes by removing the need for detailed financial disclosures from property owners. Proponents argue that this will facilitate a smoother assessment procedure and reduce the administrative burden on property owners who rent out real estate.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB 5126 highlights the tension between property owners and local government authorities over property assessment practices. Supporters of the bill, particularly within the property management and real estate sectors, argue that the removal of income disclosure mandates reduces unnecessary complexity and could encourage investment in rental properties. Conversely, critics may contend that the legislation could lead to inequities in property tax assessments, as properties may be undervalued without the income data that traditionally informs assessment practices. Therefore, while the bill's passage might streamline procedures for landlords, it raises critical questions about maintaining equitable tax systems.