Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05650

Introduced
1/13/17  
Refer
1/13/17  

Caption

An Act Permitting A Landlord To Enter A Rented Dwelling Unit During The Pendency Of A Summary Process Action.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05650 would impact landlord-tenant relationships by altering the currently established norms surrounding tenant privacy and the conditions under which landlords can enter rental properties. The ability for landlords to enter units without waiting for resolution in summary process actions could expedite the turnover process for rentals, potentially impacting how quickly properties are made available after previous tenants vacate. This change is particularly relevant in areas with high rental turnover rates.

Summary

House Bill 05650, introduced by Representative D'Amelio, seeks to amend section 47a-16 of the general statutes. The intent of the bill is to allow landlords to enter rented dwelling units during the pendency of summary process actions, which are legal proceedings aimed at recovering possession of the dwelling. This provision is designed to enable landlords to perform necessary repairs that prepare the property for new tenants without waiting for the conclusion of legal disputes.

Contention

This bill may raise concerns among tenant advocacy groups and those focused on tenant rights, as it can lead to tensions regarding privacy and the nature of the landlord-tenant agreement. Allowing landlords increased access during legal disputes could be viewed as a violation of tenants' rights to peaceful enjoyment of their rented premises. Debates surrounding the bill are likely to focus on balancing the rights of landlords to maintain their properties with the rights of tenants to privacy and protection from unwanted intrusions.

Notable_points

A key aspect of HB 05650 is that it specifically addresses situations in which there is an ongoing legal matter involving the tenant's ability to remain in the dwelling. The bill's proponents argue that enabling repairs during such times prevents prolonged vacancy of rental units and meets the demand for available housing. However, critics might assert that it undermines tenant protections established in housing laws, potentially leading to disputes over what constitutes necessary repairs and the degree of notice required to be provided to tenants.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05474

An Act Concerning Municipal Approvals For Housing Development, Fines For Violations Of Local Ordinances, Regulation Of Short-term Rentals, Rental Assistance Program Administration, Notices Of Rent Increases And The Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan And Grant Fund.

CT SB00209

An Act Concerning Nonresident Landlord Registration And Increasing Penalties For Repeat Building And Fire Code Violations.

CT HB05507

An Act Concerning Certain Proceedings Relating To Electric Transmission Lines And The Membership And Processes Of The Connecticut Siting Council.

CT HB05419

An Act Concerning The Authority Of The Attorney General To Initiate Legal Actions In Response To Alleged Discriminatory Housing Practices.

CT SB00006

An Act Concerning Housing.

CT SB00143

An Act Concerning Evictions For Cause.

CT HB05156

An Act Requiring Notices Of Rent Increases.

CT SB00352

An Act Concerning The Right To View A Ballot During Recanvass Procedures.

CT HB05242

An Act Concerning The Collateral Consequences Of Criminal Records On Housing Opportunities.

CT SB00087

An Act Authorizing Bonds Of The State For Infrastructure And Building Repairs And Equipment For Gemma E. Moran United Way/labor Food Center In New London.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.