The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5360, aims to amend Section 47a-4d of the general statutes concerning tenant screening and the rights of domestic violence victims in the rental application process. The bill prohibits landlords from charging any fees for processing rental applications, except for specific charges such as security deposits, advance rent, or fees for tenant screening reports. It allows landlords to charge a fee for tenant screening reports, capped at fifty dollars with annual adjustments based on the consumer price index. Additionally, landlords are required to provide prospective tenants with a copy of the tenant screening report or relevant information to obtain it, along with a receipt from the screening entity.

A significant insertion in the bill is the provision that prevents landlords from denying rental applications based on credit history if the applicant is a victim of domestic violence. To establish this status, applicants can submit various forms of documentation, including letters from counselors, police reports, or protective orders. If a landlord violates this provision, they are liable to pay actual damages to the applicant, including any application fees and attorney's fees. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

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Raised Bill: