Impact By State

Connecticut

Overview

Like many other parts of the country, Connecticut's growth has resulted in significant housing affordability challenges. Combatting housing affordability issues in the state will require effective solutions that address the needs of all Connecticut residents.

Connecticut is home to over 3.6 million people.

More than 377,000 Connecticuters call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

67% of extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Connecticut will need to build 498 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.

Legal Landscape

The state of Connecticut preempts local municipalities from implementing rent control. This is established in case law Old Colony Gardens, Inc. v. Stamford, 147 Conn. 60 (Conn. 1959).

CONTINUE PREEMPTION

Rent control is an outdated concept. It benefits the very few.

REJECT PRICE CONTROLS

Lawmakers should reject price controls and, instead, pursue alternatives such as voucher-based rental assistance for those in greatest need to better address housing affordability.

Alternative Approaches

Many states have adopted programs and initiatives to tackle the affordability crisis. In Connecticut, policymakers and the housing industry have made concerted efforts to address the problem. Examples include:

Rental Assistance Program

The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is a state-funded program that helps low-income families afford safe housing in the private market. Eligible participants who receive RAP certificates are free to choose their own rental housing, including apartments, townhouses and single-family homes. Certificates are issued by a local housing authority.

Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) Initiative

The Competitive Housing Assistance for Multifamily Properties (CHAMP) Initiative provides gap funding to owners of existing developments and developers of proposed new developments to increase the supply of safe, decent and affordable housing in Connecticut.

Incentive Housing Zone Program

The Incentive Housing Zone Program provides incentives to municipalities for creating Incentive Housing Zones (IHZ) in eligible locations, such as, near transit facilities, an area of concentrated development or an area because of existing, planned or proposed infrastructure that is suitable for development as an IHZ.

Resources

Useful information to help inform and guide the development of viable solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

Connecticut

Fact Sheet

Connecticut Fact Sheet – Click to download information on the housing crisis in CT

View Resource

Connecticut

Report

Southeastern Connecticut Housing Needs Assessment