Connecticut Senate Bill SB00279

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Allowing Tenants To Make Advance Rental Payments.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend section 47a-21 of the general statutes, directly impacting state laws regarding landlord-tenant relationships and rental agreements. It would formalize the option for tenants to provide advance payments, potentially reducing late payments and improving financial predictability for landlords, thus creating a more stable rental market. This change could empower tenants by affording them more choices in how and when they fulfill their rental obligations.

Summary

SB00279, titled 'An Act Allowing Tenants To Make Advance Rental Payments', introduces a significant change to rental agreements by permitting tenants to make advance rental payments to their landlords. This legislation seeks to provide tenants with more flexibility in managing their finances, particularly for those who may prefer to settle their rental payments ahead of schedule for budgeting purposes.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial for both landlords and tenants, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Notably, landlords may worry about the risk of upfront payments without corresponding guarantees of continued tenancy, and there could be debates about whether advance payments might disproportionately benefit certain tenant demographics. The discussion may center around interpretations of the law and ensuring it does not inadvertently exploit tenants or overlook protections that ensure rental agreements remain fair.