Hamden’s Planning and Zoning Commission passed a controversial proposal Tuesday that requires landlords to live in their properties if they plan on renting to college students.
The unanimous vote came after a series of complaints about out-of-control parties in residential neighborhoods thrown by Quinnipiac students who live off campus. One of those parties was attended by University President John Lahey in May. Video of that put a spotlight on the concerns in the community about the behavior of student tenants.
“There have been other homes that have been broken into, students have climbed through windows in a drunken stupor,” Marjorie Bonadies said.
In an effort to silence the noise and curb the complaints, a proposal was put forward that would require landlords to live in the properties with their student tenants.
After it passed Tuesday night, what some said is necessary, but others called it discriminatory.
“It’s unfair because you’re really targeting people who are owning properties,” Colleen Bartlett Belbusty, a landlord, said.
“It’s like having mom there you know, it’s just I don’t know why they would implement that,” Steve Albano, a senior at Quinnipiac, said.
Town officials say landlords who currently own homes and rent to students will be grandfathered in and do not have to live in their properties. Their permits are also transferable if they ever sell.
For anyone else considering buying a property in Hamden to rent to students, the proposal takes effect immediately.
