CT Mirror | By: Ginny Monk
Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday said he will propose legislation in the upcoming session to limit rent increases for out-of-state landlords who purchase apartments in Connecticut, an idea that immediately drew opposition from some Republican lawmakers.
Lamont, speaking at a Partnership for Strong Communities event, also criticized President Donald J. Trump’s approach to housing affordability and accused 169Strong, a local group that has argued against zoning reform, of being “really, really unhelpful” by spreading misinformation on housing issues.
“As I try and talk about housing, I also try … to make sure that I’m talking about the most vulnerable in the state,” Lamont said. “I need to get people on board with an aggressive housing agenda.”
In November, the governor signed a wide-reaching piece of legislation that mandates that towns create plans that show how they’ll allow for a set number of units of housing. The law also expands fair rent commissions, offers help to the homeless population, and eliminates parking minimums for some smaller residential developments.
Lamont, who is running for a third term, negotiated the law with town leaders after he vetoed a bill the legislature passed during the 2025 regular session. He later called a special session to pass a bill he said would give towns more control, although the new bill faced heavy criticism from Republicans.
The governor acknowledged that some advocates may be frustrated with him after the veto, but said he hopes the new law helps.
“I want them [towns] to take the lead,” Lamont said. “I don’t want them just to say no. I want them to say yes.”
The governor spoke at an event focused on a new report from the Partnership for Strong Communities about the large number of Connecticut residents who pay too much of their income to rent and the lack of housing choice in the state.