Housing (Tenant Rights)

in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 27, 2026

HB 5363: AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCOME THRESHOLD FOR TENANTS RENTING A DWELLING UNIT IN A SET-ASIDE DEVELOPMENT.

HB 5363 allows tenants in set-aside housing developments to continue renting at affordable rates for up to three years after their income temporarily exceeds the development's income thresholds (60% or 80% of median income), provided the development does not use federal low-income housing tax credits. This applies specifically to existing tenants who initially qualified under the 30% set-aside requirement for affordable units. The bill modifies existing rules to prevent sudden rent increases for qualifying tenants who experience short-term income growth, without changing the initial income eligibility criteria for new applicants.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents sudden rent increases for existing affordable housing tenants by allowing continued affordability after temporary income exceedance, strengthening tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Connecticut · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SB 257: AN ACT CONCERNING EVICTIONS FOR CAUSE.

SB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRestricts no-cause evictions for vulnerable tenants (elderly, disabled, long-term renters), strengthening tenant protections under housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 5359: AN ACT CONCERNING PROVISIONS IN RESIDENTIAL RENTAL AGREEMENTS.

HB 5359, effective October 1, 2026, requires landlords in Connecticut to provide at least one no-fee payment method (like cash or check) for rent, prohibiting electronic funds transfer as the exclusive payment option. It bans specific unfair clauses in rental agreements, including excessive late fees, rent hikes for lease breaches, post-lease rent increases, and waivers of tenant rights under housing law. The bill also mandates the Department of Housing to create a bilingual (English/Spanish) standardized rental summary form by July 2026, clearly listing key terms like rent amount, landlord contact, and late fee details. This directly affects residential tenants and landlords by increasing transparency and limiting exploitative contract terms.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans excessive late fees and rent hikes; mandates no-fee payment options; protects tenant rights under housing law95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 5114: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REFUNDABLE CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX FOR A PORTION OF ANNUAL RENT PAYMENTS MADE BY A TAXPAYER FOR A PRIMARY RESIDENCE IN THE STATE.

HB 5114 would create a refundable tax credit for renters in the state who pay personal income tax. It allows eligible renters to claim a credit equal to a portion of their rent payments for a primary residence, based on the property tax assessed on that rental property. This credit directly reduces the renter's tax liability and, because it's refundable, could provide a cash refund even if the renter owes no tax. The bill affects renters with primary residences in the state who pay income tax, targeting those whose rent payments correlate with the property tax burden on their landlord's property.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates refundable tax credit reducing renter's tax liability, providing direct relief to eligible renters - aligns with tax relief for lower/middle income.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates refundable tax credit reducing rent costs for primary residence renters, directly increasing housing affordability for eligible tenants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 5092: AN ACT PROTECTING RENTERS FROM RENT INCREASES UPON THE TRANSFER OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.

HB 5092 prevents landlords from imposing sudden rent hikes when a rental property is sold to a new owner. It directly affects renters in properties transferred within the previous 12 months and landlords who purchase such properties. The bill caps rent increases for these properties at either 5% or the annual consumer price index (CPI) rise - whichever is higher - unless the new owner completed major renovations costing over $50,000 per unit. If renovations were done, the new owner must justify a higher increase through a fair rent commission review; otherwise, the standard cap applies. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directly protects tenants from sudden rent hikes upon property transfer, capping increases at 5% or CPI (whichever higher) for 12 months. Strengthens tenant protections and promotes affordable housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 5360: AN ACT CONCERNING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND TENANT SCREENING.

This bill prohibits landlords from denying rental applications based solely on credit history when the applicant is a victim of domestic violence, as defined by state law. Landlords may charge a capped fee (up to $50 plus annual inflation adjustment) for tenant screening reports but must provide applicants with a copy of the report or instructions to obtain it, along with a receipt. To qualify for the protection, applicants can submit a counselor letter, police report, or valid court order related to domestic violence. Violating this rule requires landlords to reimburse applicants for fees paid and cover attorney costs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects domestic violence victims from housing discrimination, aligning with criminal justice reform by enhancing victim safety and access to housing.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits rental denial based on credit history for domestic violence victims, strengthening tenant protections and preventing housing discrimination per housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Policing Tenant Rights

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in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 5258: AN ACT CONCERNING TENANT ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

HB 5258 protects tenant organizing rights by requiring landlords to permit specific activities related to tenant organizations. The bill mandates that landlords allow tenants, tenant organizers, and their agents to distribute materials, conduct door-to-door surveys, hold meetings in common areas, and post information - without requiring prior permission - provided these activities are reasonable and lawful. It directly affects tenants seeking to form or join tenant organizations and landlords managing residential properties. Key provisions define "tenant organization" as tenant-led groups addressing housing issues and prohibit landlords from blocking these activities, except for standard community space reservation rules. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects tenant organizing rights by mandating landlord accommodations for tenant activities, directly strengthening tenant protections in housing policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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