Connecticut House Bill HB06040

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19
• Refer: 3/25/19
• Report Pass: 3/25/19
• Refer: 4/4/19
• Report Pass: 4/10/19

Caption

An Act Requiring The Inspection Of Certain Residential Buildings By A Home Inspector And An Engineer Prior To The Transfer Of Title.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6040 will have a significant effect on state laws regarding property transactions, specifically requiring the inclusion of inspection reports as a standard part of the transfer process. This measure could lead to higher compliance costs for sellers, as they would need to hire qualified professionals to perform the inspections. However, advocates argue that this provision will ultimately lead to more informed purchasing decisions and safer living environments for homeowners, particularly in communities with previously reported building deficiencies.

Summary

House Bill 6040 establishes a requirement for the inspection of certain residential buildings by a licensed home inspector and a professional engineer before the transfer of title. Specifically, it mandates that any owner of a residential building in designated municipalities must obtain inspections to ensure the structure's safety and condition, disclosing such reports to prospective buyers. This bill aims to safeguard buyers by providing transparency regarding the condition of properties at the time of sale, thereby enhancing consumer protection in the real estate market.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 6040 appears to be positive among those advocating for consumer protection and safety in home purchases. Supporters emphasize the importance of ensuring that properties sold are in adequate condition and that buyers are aware of potential issues before completing a transaction. However, there are concerns from some real estate professionals about the potential additional burden this may place on sellers and the overall implications for property resale markets.

Contention

Notably, points of contention include the responsibility of costs associated with required inspections and the potential for increased transaction times due to waiting on multiple inspections to be completed. Some members of the legislature have raised issues regarding the feasibility of implementing such requirements statewide and the extent to which local municipalities should have the authority to dictate inspection processes. This highlights a broader debate about balancing consumer protections with regulatory efficiencies in the real estate market.