An Act Concerning Removal Of An Unauthorized Individual From Residential Real Property.
Impact
This bill has significant implications for property laws regarding eviction procedures in Connecticut. By facilitating an expedited removal process, HB 06111 seeks to empower property owners to reclaim their property without the traditionally lengthy evictions based on judicial oversight. The introduction of this bill reflects concerns among property owners about unauthorized occupations potentially hindering their ability to manage their real estate effectively. The changing landscape of resident rights versus property ownership rights is brought into sharper focus, which may influence how eviction laws are approached in the future.
Summary
House Bill 06111 aims to provide a streamlined process for property owners to remove unauthorized individuals from their residential properties in a more efficient manner. The proposed legislation would allow property owners to contact a state marshal directly and file a complaint under penalty of perjury. The state marshal would then verify the ownership and the truthfulness of the complaint before promptly removing the unauthorized occupant. This expedited removal process aims to address urgent situations in which property owners feel their rights are being infringed by unauthorized occupants.
Contention
A notable point of contention may arise due to the bill's provision for a wrongful removal cause of action against property owners. This stipulation allows individuals who feel they have been wrongfully removed to recover damages—including triple the fair market rent and reasonable attorney's fees. Critics may argue that this aspect of the bill could deter property owners from utilizing the expedited removal process due to fear of potential legal repercussions. Balancing the rights of property owners with those of unauthorized occupants will likely be a key issue as this bill proceeds through legislative discussions.