Housing

HB 5226 requires Connecticut municipalities with populations over 15,000 to establish fair rent commissions by January 1, 2028, and all municipalities containing mobile manufactured home parks must join a regional fair rent commission. These commissions will handle rent complaints for non-seasonal mobile home spaces, investigate excessive charges, and hold public hearings to address issues affecting mobile home residents and park owners. The bill creates a framework for regional commissions (managed through regional councils) and mandates specific member requirements, including resident representation. It directly affects mobile home park residents, landlords, and local governments responsible for implementing the new commission structure. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.

HB 5314 updates Connecticut's "Homes for CT" loan program to set a clear interest rate cap: loans from participating financial institutions must charge a rate not exceeding The Wall Street Journal's published prime rate (replacing a previous Federal Home Loan Bank reference). It also expands the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's role, allowing it to provide additional loans or forgivable grants-in-aid to eligible borrowers beyond those from banks, with these new loans being subordinate to bank loans. The changes directly affect Connecticut homebuyers (particularly first-time buyers) who qualify for the program through participating lenders. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to streamline program administration while maintaining affordability.