The bill titled "General Assembly Governor's Bill No. 6666" aims to expand renters' rights, with an effective date of October 1, 2023. It introduces several changes to existing laws. One significant amendment is to section 47a-21 of the general statutes, which now states that landlords cannot demand a security deposit exceeding one month's rent, regardless of the tenant's age. Previously, the law allowed for up to two months' rent for tenants under sixty-two years of age and one month's rent for tenants sixty-two years or older. Landlords who have received security deposits exceeding one month's rent before the effective date must return the excess to tenants who turn sixty-two after paying the deposit upon request. However, landlords may retain deposits exceeding one month's rent from tenants who do not turn sixty-two until the tenancy is terminated.

Additionally, the bill amends section 7-148, allowing municipalities to make rules for maintaining safe and sanitary housing and to prescribe civil penalties not exceeding one thousand dollars per violation. It also revises section 46a-81e, which addresses discriminatory practices in housing based on sexual orientation or civil union status. The bill removes exemptions that previously applied to certain rental situations, such as renting a room in an owner-occupied dwelling or a unit in a dwelling with not more than four units where the owner resides. It also specifies investigation and disposition timelines for complaints alleging violations of this section and classifies violations as a class D misdemeanor. The bill has received favorable joint responses from the Housing Committee (HSG) and the Judiciary Committee (JUD).

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill:
HSG Joint Favorable: 7-148
File No. 183:
JUD Joint Favorable: