Hartford, CT Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Hartford treats ADU rental in two tracks. Long-term (30 days or more): the property must comply with the City of Hartford Housing Code (administered by Licenses and Inspections under the Connecticut State Building Code and the city's local housing standards), which requires basic habitability — heat, hot water, working appliances, smoke and CO alarms compliant with the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code (CGS Section 29-291 and the adopted IFC), structural soundness, and pest-free conditions. Hartford operates a complaint-driven and proactive inspection program for rental housing; complaints route through the city's 311 system. Tenancies are governed by the Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Act (CGS Chapter 830, Sections 47a-1 through 47a-74), which caps security deposits at two months' rent for tenants under 62 and one month for tenants 62 and older (CGS Section 47a-21), requires the landlord to deposit security in an interest-bearing escrow account, prescribes lease and eviction procedures through Housing Session of Superior Court, and prohibits retaliatory and discriminatory practices. Connecticut Public Act 22-30 (2022) required municipalities of 25,000 or more population to establish a Fair Rent Commission with authority to hear and decide whether rents are 'harsh and unconscionable' under CGS Section 7-148b; Hartford has had a Fair Rent Commission for decades and its expanded authority applies to ADU rentals. Connecticut does not have a statewide rent cap, but PA 23-207 and subsequent legislation expanded just-cause eviction protections in larger municipalities for tenants who have lived in a unit for one year or more (CGS Section 47a-23c). Short-term rentals (under 30 days): the Hartford Zoning Regulations classify these as transient lodging subject to Article IV use standards, generally requiring compliance with hotel/inn standards in zones permitting that use; the city does not currently have a dedicated STR registration ordinance like Stamford or New Haven. State lodging tax (CGS Section 12-407, 15 percent on stays under 30 days) and federal income tax obligations apply.