Bills, Legislations, and Regulations

There are a myriad of approaches to addressing housing inequity on the legislative level, many of which have been implemented, with varying degrees of success, in Hartford. Over the course of our research, we identified several of the most recurrent streams of legislative action meant to counteract housing insecurity in Hartford.

Some strategies focus on mediating the dialectic between renter and landlord, as seen in the “Act Concerning Rights and Obligations of Landlords and Tenants," sponsored by Representative Richard Tulisano. This Act emphasizes a robust summary process for expedited court action in tenant/landlord disputes, aiming to establish a fair and efficient dispute resolution framework by codifying existing rights and eliminating controversial clauses.

Community investment is another prevalent means of addressing housing issues, such as the Community Development Act (CDA). The Sigourney Square Civic Association emphasizes the significance of programs like the HUD Loan and Grant Program, parks and recreation initiatives, and capital improvements, speaking to the role of community organizations in advocating for financial support and neighborhood enhancements.

The introduction of financial incentives is a recurring strategy to promote housing equity, as seen in the "Homes Program," offering residents reduced rates for property repair and remodeling. This cost-friendly approach aims to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and empower residents to maintain their properties.

Furthermore, in 1979, The Department of Housing and Urban Development granted 300k to families of Frog Hollow in order to promote home ownership and improvement. These kinds of monetary stimulus and market-tied initiatives have proven to significantly improve the material conditions of lower-income neighborhoods.

In another article, former mayor Glynn advocates for housing codes and strict enforcement as a strategy to combat substandard living conditions, prioritizing regulatory measures over rent strikes to ensure safe and habitable housing and protect tenants from hazardous living conditions.