The Planning, Economic Development & Housing Committee voted Dec. 16 to amend Chapter 18, Section 18-20(b)(2) of the City of Hartford municipal code to extend the on-time filing deadline for rental-license applications for owners of 4–9 dwelling units to June 30, 2026. The committee sent the amended ordinance with a favorable recommendation to the full City Council.

Director Judith Rothschild told the committee the rental-license rollout is in its third tier and the city mailed notices this summer; as of the Oct. 31 cutoff the department had received applications from roughly 37 percent of affected owners, "approximately 312 of 842," she said. Under the ordinance, a one-time $1,000 penalty applies immediately after the filing deadline for late filers. "So as of November 1 ... some 63% of the people who are required to apply would be fined," Rothschild said. She urged a short extension and additional outreach so smaller, often individual or elder owners could comply without the fine.

Council members pressed the administration on why so many owners had not filed and whether the city had offered paper filing or adequate assistance. Councilman John Gayle and others said the online system had frustrated some owners; Gayle noted staff now assist and that paper applications are accepted. Rothschild confirmed the program is currently handled by three staff members and acknowledged the city is planning more public outreach.

Councilman Josh Mitcham spoke against a long delay. "We're leaving $500,000 on the table from business owners who make their living off people's most basic right," he said, arguing penalties provide incentive for compliance. Other members countered that many 4–9 unit owners are "mom-and-pop" landlords or seniors unfamiliar with the new requirements and that heavy-handed enforcement now would likely be unfair and counterproductive.

After a procedural discussion about alternative dates, the committee amended the proposed February extension to June 30, 2026. Corp. Counsel advised that lengthening the compliance window in this direction does not trigger a new public hearing. The committee approved sending the amended ordinance back to the council with a favorable recommendation; the council will consider the amendment at a forthcoming meeting.

Next steps: the administration plans additional targeted outreach and assistance (including paper filing) before the new June 30, 2026 deadline; if owners do not file by that date, the ordinance's $1,000 penalty will apply.

Sources: Committee presentation by Judith Rothschild; committee debate and vote, Dec. 16, 2025.