Connecticut House Bill HB05241

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 2/20/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Certificates Of Occupancy For Rental Properties.

Impact

This legislature's enactment means that landlords will face civil penalties if they collect rent for properties without a legal certificate of occupancy. Specifically, the law stipulates a daily fine for such violations and ensures that any rent collected during periods of unlawful occupancy must be returned to tenants. By reinforcing these regulations, the bill intends to enhance overall housing standards and reduce the incidences of tenants being placed in uninhabitable conditions due to non-compliance with occupancy laws.

Summary

House Bill 05241 aims to reinforce and clarify the regulations surrounding the issuance of certificates of occupancy for rental properties in Connecticut. This bill mandates that no apartment or dwelling unit can be occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been duly issued by the relevant municipal authority. It effectively repeals certain prior laws and substitutes them with stricter guidelines, holding landlords accountable if they occupy units without the required occupancy permits. The legislation aims to improve housing safety and compliance with local housing ordinances, thus benefiting tenants and communities alike.

Contention

The bill has generated discussion regarding its potential implications for landlords and housing availability. Proponents argue that stricter enforcement of occupancy laws is necessary to ensure tenant safety and compliance, while critics express concerns about the financial burdens such requirements might place on landlords, particularly small property owners. They worry that the penalties could have unintended consequences, such as discouraging investment in rental properties or leading to an overall reduction in available housing if landlords find compliance costs too high.