With the intent to counter high housing costs, improve flexibility for renters and property owners alike and offer new opportunities for living and connection in Connecticut, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, today led the Senate’s passage of legislation allowing long-term bedroom rentals in single-family houses.

Under existing law, municipalities generally gain control over aspects of housing including off-street parking and rooming or boarding houses. Senate Bill 339, “An Act Allowing Long-Term Rental of Bedrooms in a Single-Family Home As Of Right,” would remove a requirement for an owner-occupant of a single-family dwelling to receive approval to rent up to three bedrooms. It also prevents requirements for variances or zoning classifications for that rental.

It additionally will require the publishing of a model rental agreement rider giving an example of how a landlord and tenant can come to terms on utility and resource use in the process of a rental, among other needs.

“We’re facing a housing shortage, high rental costs and high levels of financial pressure among the public,” said Sen. Marx. “We need solutions that create new opportunities for affordable, reasonable housing, and that’s what this bill represents. It allows flexibility for both landlords, who can rent out specific rooms in their own homes, and renters, who may want to downsize or are seeking affordable alternatives to a traditional rental.

Back in the 1980s, the classic ‘Golden Girls’ sitcom showed more advantages of renting bedrooms: it can offer connections to older renters and owners alike to make connections and come together, cohabitating instead of just coexisting. Its changes are simple, but the changes it promises will make a real difference. I can’t wait until it becomes law.”

In public testimony, the bill received strong support from organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG), Pro-Homes CT, the Connecticut Citizen Action Group and the Western Connecticut Council of Governments.

The American Institute of Architects testified the bill offers specific benefits to two groups heavily impacted by the current housing market, young adults and seniors. When the average age of a first-time homebuyer is 38, it said, this offers a flexible, affordable option for young renters, while it could alleviate the housing cost burdens and loneliness and isolation faced by too many seniors.

ProHomes Connecticut noted 75% of American adults want to age in their home or community, but fewer than half believe they’ll be able to do so.

The bill can also aid seniors with household maintenance, such as shoveling snow or mowing the lawn, which could be arduous or challenging for some, RiverCOG testified.

The AIA added that, at one point in American history, up to 10% of rental housing in American cities consisted of room rentals.

The bill passed by a 29-7 vote and previously passed the Housing Committee by a 17-1 tally. It now heads to the House for further consideration.