Connecticut House Bill HB05356

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/15
• Refer: 1/14/15
• Refer: 3/10/15
• Report Pass: 3/11/15
• Refer: 3/20/15
• Report Pass: 3/26/15
• Refer: 3/31/15
• Report Pass: 4/7/15
• Refer: 4/14/15
• Report Pass: 4/29/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Relocation Of Displaced Tenants.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5356 would significantly affect the responsibilities of landlords and state agencies. The financial implications for landlords who fail to adhere to housing codes could be substantial, as they could be required to reimburse towns or state agencies for payments made to displaced tenants. The bill also adjusts definitions and provisions related to displaced tenants to better reflect the realities of tenants facing dislocation. This alignment with federal standards concerning relocation assistance highlights the state's commitment to supporting displaced residents while holding landlords accountable for maintaining safe and habitable conditions.

Summary

House Bill 5356 addresses the issue of tenant displacement in Connecticut, particularly when such displacements occur as a result of enforcement actions or redevelopment projects conducted or overseen by state agencies. The bill aims to provide proper financial assistance to those displaced tenants, ensuring they can cover their moving costs and any direct losses incurred due to such enforcement. Under this legislation, landlords may bear financial responsibility for the relocation payments due to the displaced tenants, creating an incentive for landlords to maintain their properties in compliance with relevant codes to avoid additional costs.

Sentiment

The sentiment in discussions around HB 5356 appears to be largely supportive from tenants' rights advocates and local housing organizations, who view the bill as a necessary step in protecting vulnerable tenants from displacement. However, there are concerns expressed by some landlord associations and property owners regarding the balance of responsibility and potential financial burdens that could result from the new obligations imposed on them. This divide reflects broader tensions between tenant protections and landlord rights within housing policy debates.

Contention

Notable contention arises from the liability placed on landlords for payments related to tenant displacements due to code violations. Many landlords argue that the bill might unfairly penalize them for situations beyond their control, especially those stemming from tenant actions that contribute to code violations. The bill's detailed stipulations aimed at protecting tenants could lead to legal disputes between landlords and tenants, particularly in assessing blame and responsibility for displacements due to enforcement actions.