Two sweeping bills that aim to address issues ranging from evictions and workforce housing to homelessness and fair housing had a public hearing Tuesday, the first step in advancing Democrats’ priorities related to housing this session.
The hearing is the first step in possible passage of the wide-ranging bills introduced during a session marked by its focus on housing issues.Â
Hundreds of people signed up to speak Tuesday at a public hearing focused on a bill that would limit the amount landlords can increase rent annually, an attempt to address rising rents amid a larger housing crisis.
The public hearing covered two bills that cap annual rent increases for rental housing and at mobile home parks at 4% plus the consumer price index. But the bills outline broader philosophical questions the Housing Committee is considering this session in addition to highlighting real-world consequences for Connecticut residents.
The Hamden Fair Rent Commission has voted against a 42% rent increase after the new Hamden Tenant Union pushed back against it. The decision by the commission.