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.
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.
HB 5366 requires municipalities to grant developers a "right of first refusal" for affordable housing developments. It defines "affordable housing" as projects where at least 30% of units are permanently restricted (for 40 years) to be sold or rented at prices affordable for households earning ≤60% or ≤80% of median income. Developers must submit detailed affordability plans covering pricing calculations, marketing, and long-term administration, with rent/sale prices capped at 100% or 120% of HUD's Section 8 fair market rent for specific income tiers. This directly affects developers seeking housing approvals, municipalities reviewing applications, and low/moderate-income residents eligible for these units. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
SB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.
HB 5031 allocates $70,010,000 from the General Fund to cover budget shortfalls for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, directly affecting state agencies. Key provisions include $14.5 million for the Department of Housing’s homeless services, $5.5 million for mental health personal services, $5.775 million for emergency services, and $6 million for inmate medical services under Corrections. The bill funds ongoing operations and critical programs rather than creating new policies. It is a routine budget adjustment to address existing fiscal gaps, not a new legislative initiative.
SB 33 establishes the "Learn Here, Live Here" program, requiring the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to create it with an annual budget of up to $5 million. The program targets individuals with an annual federal adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less. Key provisions include setting a funding cap of $5 million per year and restricting eligibility to low-income residents based on income thresholds. This bill directly affects qualifying low-income residents seeking housing support within the state.
SB 256 requires private equity entities (firms that pool investment capital to buy residential properties) to wait 75 days after a single-family or two-family home is listed for public sale before purchasing it. The bill mandates that if the listing price changes, the 75-day clock restarts. Private equity buyers must also provide written notice confirming the waiting period was observed. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $250,000, enforced by the Attorney General. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.