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SB 274

AN ACT CONCERNING NONRESIDENT LANDLORD REGISTRATION AND INCREASING PENALTIES FOR REPEAT BUILDING AND FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Chafee and 12 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill requiring nonresident landlord registration and increasing penalties for repeat building/fire code violations to improve rental housing safety and owner accountability.

HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 454
#buildinginspectorsandofficials #fines(penalties) #landlordandtenant #municipalities #nonresidents #statebuildingcode #statefiresafetycode #violations #infractions
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Bill Summary · SB 274

Legislative bill overview

SB 274 requires nonresident landlords to register with the state and establishes enhanced penalties for landlords with repeat building and fire code violations. The bill aims to improve accountability in the rental housing market and strengthen enforcement of safety codes, particularly in properties owned by out-of-state investors.

Why is this important

Nonresident landlord registration creates a traceable system for identifying property owners and holding them accountable for maintenance standards, which can reduce negligence in rental properties. Increased penalties for repeat violations incentivize compliance with building and fire safety codes, potentially preventing injuries, deaths, and property damage in rental housing units.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance burden: Nonresident landlords may argue that registration requirements create administrative costs and bureaucratic barriers, particularly for small-scale investors
  • Definition and enforcement scope: Questions remain about which violations trigger enhanced penalties, how "repeat" is defined, and whether enforcement will be consistent across municipalities
  • Constitutional concerns: Some may challenge whether registration requirements on out-of-state owners raise dormant commerce clause or equal protection issues compared to in-state landlords

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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