Substitute House Bill No. 6943 seeks to strengthen tenant protections in Connecticut by amending various sections of the general statutes that govern landlord-tenant relationships. Key provisions of the bill require landlords to provide receipts for cash payments and to offer tenants a ledger of charges and payments upon request. It also prohibits rental agreements from including clauses that waive tenant rights or impose unfair conditions, such as allowing landlords to evict tenants without court orders or imposing excessive late fees. A significant addition is the requirement for landlords to give at least 45 days' written notice before increasing rent, along with information about the tenant's right to dispute the increase through a fair rent commission.

Additionally, the bill establishes that marketing residential leases with terms that contradict state law is considered an unfair trade practice, which may incur costs for the Department of Consumer Protection. It clarifies that while landlords and tenants can negotiate terms in rental agreements, these must comply with state law. The bill also makes it unlawful to impose surcharges or increased rent on tenants who remain in a unit beyond the lease term or under a month-to-month tenancy. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, with the overall aim of fostering a more equitable rental environment by enhancing transparency and safeguarding tenant rights.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HSG Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 233: