FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 18, 2024

SEN. OSTEN APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO CURTAIL RENTAL PROPERTY ABUSES

NORWICH – A bill that would give municipalities greater control over how private homes are put up for rent in their communities – and the negative public consequences that may come from the use and abuse of Airbnb’s and other such property rental arrangements – passed the state Senate today and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 335, “An Act Concerning Short-Term Rental Properties,” passed the Senate on a xx-xx vote. The bill allows cities and towns to vote and adopt local ordinances regulating the operation and use of short-term rental properties like Airbnb’s and requires these properties to be licensed. Under the bill, short-term rental properties are defined as rentals of 30 days or less.

“The short-term rental industry has created some real public contentiousness in many, many Connecticut municipalities,” Sen. Osten said. “This bill is yet another tool in the toolbox for cities and towns to curtail any short-term rental abuses.”

Sen. Osten’s support for the bill stems from recent rental abuses in Norwich, which she represents. Over time, some small gatherings at short-term rental homes turned into larger and larger gatherings replete with loud music, cars blocking streets and private driveways – even being used as wedding sites.

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