HB 5063 reduces the sales and use tax rate for construction and building materials used in housing to 2%. This directly affects builders, contractors, and homeowners involved in new home construction or housing rehabilitation projects. The bill amends tax code to lower the rate from its current level specifically for materials stored, used, or consumed in housing projects. It does not change tax rates for other materials or non-housing construction.
HB 5288 modifies zoning and utility rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commonly called "granny flats" or secondary units on the same property as a main home. The bill requires municipalities to allow ADUs on single-family lots "as of right" (without special approval) and prohibits local governments from charging separate utility connection fees for ADUs connected to the main house's existing utilities. It also bans requirements like separate utility billing, extra parking, or restrictions on tenant relationships. This directly affects homeowners seeking to create ADUs and local governments managing zoning and utility regulations.
HB 5257 limits security deposits for residential renters to one month's rent, effective October 1, 2026. It directly affects all residential tenants and landlords in the state by prohibiting landlords from requiring deposits exceeding this amount. The bill also creates a security deposit guarantee program for low-income renters (earning 60% or less of the state median income) to cover up to one month's rent, prioritizing veterans and those with documented financial need. This replaces previous provisions that allowed higher deposits for some tenants and establishes a new administrative process for the guarantee program.
This bill removes sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies, and appliances, and eliminates a 1% tax on meals sold by grocery stores. It creates new tax credits for homeowners (increasing the existing credit), caregivers of elderly or disabled family members, and renters earning $75,000 or less for primary residence costs. These changes directly lower tax burdens for Connecticut residents, particularly lower- and middle-income households. The bill modifies sales tax rules and expands income tax credits to improve affordability.
HB 5230 exempts up to $100,000 in annual earnings from children under 24 living with their parents from being counted toward the parent's gross income when determining eligibility for rental assistance programs. This change directly affects parents applying for rental aid who have adult children living at home and earning income. The bill amends housing statutes to require the Housing Commissioner to exclude this child income in eligibility calculations. It does not alter the total amount of rental assistance provided but adjusts how household income is assessed. The policy aims to prevent parents from being disqualified from assistance due to their child's earnings.
HB 5042 prevents landlords from significantly raising rents when a rental property changes ownership within 12 months, unless major renovations were completed. If no major renovations occurred (defined as work on at least two primary building systems like plumbing or electrical), rent increases are capped at 5% or the annual consumer price index increase, whichever is higher. This directly affects renters in properties changing hands and landlords seeking to adjust rents after purchase. The bill amends existing rent control provisions to ensure rent hikes after ownership transfers are limited unless substantial improvements were made.
SB 333 defines "advance rental payment" as a prepayment for rent not yet due (up to the remaining lease term), excluding security deposits. It sets security deposit limits at two months' rent for tenants under 62 and one month's rent for tenants 62 or older, requiring landlords to refund excess amounts when a tenant turns 62. The bill also prohibits landlords from charging application fees, move-in/move-out fees, or other pre-tenancy charges beyond security deposits, advance payments, key deposits, or tenant screening reports. These changes directly affect residential landlords and tenants in rental agreements across the state.
HB 5410 creates a state program to provide free prefabricated housing to eligible veterans who are impoverished and homeless. It directly affects veterans meeting two criteria: income below the federal poverty line and having been without permanent housing for at least 90 days prior to application. The program will offer 500-square-foot structures with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and bathroom on VA property in Rocky Hill, administered jointly by Housing and Veterans Affairs Commissioners. Applications must be processed within 10 days, with approvals valid for one year and annual reporting required to the legislature starting in 2028.
SB 272 modifies municipal blight enforcement by removing the requirement for municipalities to provide written notice and a remediation period for properties with three or more blight violations within a 12-month timeframe. It directly affects property owners in municipalities that enforce blight regulations, particularly those with repeated violations. The bill specifies that for such repeat cases, enforcement actions (including civil penalties) can occur immediately without prior notice or opportunity to fix issues. Penalties include daily fines ranging from $150 to $1,000 for residential properties and per-square-foot charges for larger residential or commercial properties, depending on violation history and property size. This change streamlines enforcement for persistent blight issues but maintains the core definitions and standards for blight regulation.
HB 5363 allows tenants in set-aside housing developments to continue renting at affordable rates for up to three years after their income temporarily exceeds the development's income thresholds (60% or 80% of median income), provided the development does not use federal low-income housing tax credits. This applies specifically to existing tenants who initially qualified under the 30% set-aside requirement for affordable units. The bill modifies existing rules to prevent sudden rent increases for qualifying tenants who experience short-term income growth, without changing the initial income eligibility criteria for new applicants.
