Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam announced Tuesday that the City is on the hunt for landlords who are breaking the law and out of compliance with regulations. Dubbing this “Housing Week,” the mayor unveiled his first major policy initiative since being inaugurated on New Year’s Day: A new task force to identify these landlords, levy fines more than double what is currently on the books and to provide a spotlight on resources for tenants.
“We’re going to try to consolidate a list of those who are violating our laws most consistently and intentionally, strategically go after those individuals,” Arulampalam said. “You can’t hide from us. We’re coming for you with the city. So, it’s time to either shape up, to get in compliance, or to get the hell out of our city.”
Approximately three out of every four Hartford residents are tenants living in rental units, sometimes owned by companies operating outside Connecticut. Many of those tenants are living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions, because of landlords who are slow to respond to maintenance issues and other complaints.
“With every ounce of enforcement power we have in the city, we will go after you,” added Arulampalam. “We will make it really difficult for you to do business in the city.”
The current $100 per day fines for failing to comply with housing code are being increased to $250 per day, which is the maximum amount prescribed by the state legislature.
The mayor made Tuesday’s announcement at the offices of Greater Hartford Legal Aid, which the City has granted $750,000 to support free legal aid to tenants with landlord complaints.
“We mean business,” said Judith Rothschild, the City’s director of licenses and inspections, addressing those landlords already identified as being out of compliance. “We will be in touch with you as we identify you.” Rothschild said the new task force will first pursue those with complaints already on file.
“With every ounce of enforcement power we have in the city, we will go after you,” added Arulampalam. “We will make it really difficult for you to do business in the city.”
The task force held its first meeting immediately following Arulampalam’s announcement, featuring representatives from law enforcement, real estate development services and public health.
The mayor said this effort will create an environment that will reward good landlords and encourage more of them to do business in Hartford. “They see the impact on their tenants, they see the impact on their streets, and they want these bad landlords out as well,” said Arulampalam. “So, Hartford is going to be a really good place to invest if you want to take care of your property.”
A free seminar is planned by the City for all landlords and property owners to learn how to comply with regulations, policies and laws.
