A new legislative proposal introduced by Gov. Ned Lamont would give prospective home buyers or renters the ability to see their new property’s energy efficiency rating, or the last 12 months of energy bills.
Property owners listing homes for sale or lease would have to provide prospective buyers and tenants with a home Energy Label, a number generated during a home energy audit that summarizes the property’s energy efficiency.
At a press conference Monday, Latisha Douglas who is a real estate investor and landlord in Hartford said during these difficult economic times, it's more important than ever for tenants to know the entire cost to help prevent homelessness.
"I have purchased a unit and put tenants in it, and after that first utility bill I am immediately getting a call from the tenant because it's higher than it was expected to be," she said. "I don’t want a tenant choosing between paying rent or paying their utility bill."
According to the DEEP, the average single family in Connecticut spends about $3,600 on energy costs a year, the second highest average in the nation.