Bill > HB05092

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, aims to protect renters from excessive rent increases when residential property ownership is transferred to a new owner. It amends existing laws by adding a new consideration for fair rent commissions when determining if a rent increase is "harsh and unconscionable," meaning unfairly severe or oppressive. Specifically, if a property has been sold within the last twelve months, the commission must now consider whether the new owner has completed "major renovations," defined as improvements costing over $50,000 per dwelling unit. If major renovations have not been completed, any rent increase for existing tenants is capped at the greater of 5% or the annual increase in the consumer price index for urban consumers, a common measure of inflation. If major renovations have been completed, the commission will assess the proposed rent increase based on existing criteria, but this bill clarifies that even a 5% or lower increase could still be deemed unconscionable.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05092&which_year=2026