Connecticut House Bill HB05846

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning A Landlord's Duty To Provide Notice Of Fire Suppression Systems In Rental Agreements.

Impact

If passed, this bill will amend section 47a-3f of the general statutes, effectively streamlining the notification process for landlords. Supporters of the bill argue that this change will reduce the administrative burden on landlords and align their obligations with existing state fire safety laws. Proponents believe that this could enhance clarity for tenants regarding fire safety measures without overwhelming landlords with requirements that are not applicable to every rental property.

Summary

House Bill 5846 aims to clarify the obligations of landlords regarding fire suppression systems in rental units. Specifically, the bill requires that landlords provide written notice about the existence or absence of an operative fire suppression system in rental agreements, but only in cases where state law mandates such a system in the dwelling unit. This provision seeks to balance landlord responsibilities with the need for clarity in rental agreements while reducing unnecessary notification for properties not subject to such regulations.

Contention

The bill's introduction may raise discussion about fire safety standards and the extent of landlord responsibilities. While supporters argue it simplifies compliance, there could be concerns from tenant advocacy groups regarding whether this might delay or obscure tenants' awareness of crucial fire safety information. Critics may contend that limiting notifications could undermine tenant safety depending on the specifics of fire suppression systems required in varying types of rental properties. These discussions highlight the delicate balance between property management and tenant safety priorities.