Connecticut Senate Bill SB00658

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Possessions Of Deceased Tenants.

Impact

The bill is significant as it establishes a framework that both protects the landlords’ rights to reclaim their property and provides a mechanism for notifying family members or emergency contacts of the deceased tenants. This legal clarity is essential for minimizing disputes that may arise in sensitive circumstances following a tenant's death. By formalizing this process, the bill could reduce the potential for conflicts between landlords and the next of kin, potentially leading to a smoother transition of property management.

Summary

SB00658, referred to as 'An Act Concerning The Possessions Of Deceased Tenants', aims to clarify the procedures that landlords must follow to reclaim possession of a leased unit after a tenant has passed away. The bill proposes amendments to section 47a-11d of the general statutes to allow landlords to engage with the deceased tenant's emergency contact or next of kin in order to coordinate the retrieval of personal belongings. This provision is expected to streamline the process and ensure respectful handling of the deceased tenant's possessions.

Contention

While proponents of the bill advocate for the necessary legal structure it provides, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of notification requirements and the impact on the grieving families of deceased tenants. Questions could arise about whether the timeline for notification is sufficient and how it may affect the personal belongings of the deceased individual. Additionally, there may be issues concerning the privacy of the tenant and how their possessions are handled. Thus, balancing the rights of landlords with the sensitivity of the situation for the deceased's family could be a point of contention in debates surrounding this bill.