Stay Informed: How the Enhanced Renter’s Rights Bill Could Affect Your Property!

A bill passed by the Connecticut legislature this July includes new renters’ rights, some of which will go into effect later this year.

What are the new protections for renters in Connecticut under the bill?

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Ban of Certain Application Fees:

Many application fees for apartments are now prohibited. Landlords can only charge up to $50 plus any inflation costs for a tenant screening report and are required to give potential renters a copy of the report. They are also not allowed to charge move-in or move-out fees. This part of the law will go into effect on October 1, 2023.

2. Quick Return of Security Deposits:

Landlords must return tenants’ security deposits and interest on the deposits within 21 days rather than 30. If they take longer, they are liable for double the original security deposit amount. This part of the law will also go into effect on October 1, 2023.

3. Limits on Overdue Rent Fees:

There are new limits on charging fees for overdue rent. Tenants get either a nine-day grace period or four days for week-to-week renters before fees start. Landlords also can’t charge more than one late fee for unpaid rent, no matter how long it’s overdue. This part of the law will go into effect on October 1, 2023.

4. Ban on Housing Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation:

Small landlords are banned from housing discrimination based on sexual orientation. The new law removes the previous exemption for people who are renting out one room in their house or to landlords who rent out housing in a building that’s up to four units, if the landlord lives in one of the units. This part of the law will go into effect on October 1, 2023.

5. Protection for Certain Classes Against Evictions and Rent Increases:

A protected class, including people over 62 and people with physical or intellectual disabilities, will be offered certain protections against certain evictions and rent increases if they live in apartments with five or more units. Landlords would have to give the state’s notice to tenants starting January 1, 2024.

6. Removal of Certain Online Eviction Records:

Some online eviction records must be removed. The state’s Judicial Department will have to remove online records and identifying information from eviction cases that were withdrawn, dismissed, or decided in favor of the tenant. The records must be removed within 30 days. This part of the law would go into effect on July 1, 2024.

Read more about the passed bill here: https://ctmirror.org/2023/07/24/ct-renters-rights-new-landlord-laws-2023