Connecticut House Bill HB05294

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/13
• Refer: 1/15/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Fees For Emergency Calls.

Impact

If passed, HB 05294 would significantly alter the financial dynamics between landlords and municipalities, particularly regarding the costs associated with emergency services. By preventing local governments from charging landlords for these emergency calls, the bill aims to ensure that landlords are not penalized for situations that may be beyond their control. This change could mitigate the costs associated with emergency services that landlords currently face, possibly resulting in lower housing costs for tenants in the long run.

Summary

House Bill 05294 seeks to address the financial burden on landlords associated with emergency service calls made by tenants. The bill specifically proposes to prohibit municipalities from imposing fees on landlords for excessive emergency service calls that tenants make. This legislative proposal is grounded in the belief that landlords should not be held financially responsible for multiple emergency calls that might arise from tenant concerns or misunderstandings, especially if these calls are unwarranted or frivolous.

Contention

The bill may also invoke debates surrounding tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. Opponents may argue that prohibiting municipalities from charging landlords could diminish landlords' incentives to respond to tenant complaints promptly and adequately. There is a concern that this could lead to an increase in tenant dissatisfaction if landlords choose to be less engaged with emergency service protocols, believing they bear no financial repercussions. Supporters of the bill may counter that it promotes fairness and prevents unjust financial burdens on landlords, advocating for a balanced approach to emergency service call management.