Bill to hold repeat offender landlords accountable in Connecticut in the hands of the House

A bill aimed at holding repeat-offender landlords accountable across Connecticut is advancing through the state legislature, with supporters saying it would give towns stronger enforcement tools against ongoing code violations.

Senate Bill 274 has already passed the Senate and is now under consideration in the House. The proposal would require out-of-town landlords to register with local municipalities and provide contact information. It would also allow towns to increase fines for repeat violations of building and fire codes.

Advocates, including officials in Rocky Hill, say the legislation is critical to protecting tenants facing unsafe living conditions and unresponsive property owners.

Rocky Hill Town Councilor Zach van Luling said the bill would make it easier for towns to track down landlords and hold them accountable.

Earlier this year, issues at the Concierge Apartments in Rocky Hill — including burst pipes and water system failures — displaced about 2,000 tenants and required a large-scale government response. The property’s owners later reached an agreement with the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office to assist affected tenants and reimburse them.

Van Luling said situations like that highlight the need for stronger enforcement measures.

“The penalties aren’t just the cost of doing business. That’s what they’re used to and that’s what they need to stop being used to. This bill, if passed tonight, by October, we can ensure bad actor property owners from outside the state are accountable,” van Luling said.

As of Monday, the bill has not yet been called for a vote in the House as the legislative session continues.

Van Luling said if the bill does not pass this session, he plans to push for similar legislation in the future.

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