Substitute Senate Bill No. 335, also known as Public Act No. 26-113, amends Section 47a-4 of the general statutes regarding rental agreements for residential dwelling units. The bill prohibits certain provisions in rental agreements that could waive tenant rights or impose unfair liabilities. Specifically, it removes the allowance for landlords to charge tenants for utilities if no separate meter is used to measure those utilities exclusively for the tenant's dwelling unit. The bill also updates language to ensure that references to tenants are gender-neutral, replacing terms like "his" and "him" with "such tenant" and "such tenant's."

The new legal language inserted into the statute includes a prohibition against requiring tenants to pay for utilities billed to them when there is no separate meter, thereby enhancing tenant protections. Additionally, the bill clarifies that any provision in a rental agreement that violates these prohibitions is unenforceable. This legislation will take effect on October 1, 2026, and will apply to rental agreements entered into or renewed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HSG Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 156:
Public Act No. 26-113: