Advocates pushing to expand bill protecting Connecticut renters

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — State and local leaders are urging lawmakers to expand a bill protecting renters.

The proposed legislation would expand the “Just Cause” bill, which protects residents over 62 years old and living with a disability, or in public housing, from eviction without cause. 

The expansion would cover new tenants in five-unit buildings after the first year of moving in. They said the goal is to help stabilize housing for thousands of people.

“Your apartment is your home, your apartment is dignity, your apartment is respect, your apartment is access to a local school for your child, knowing where that’s going to be and knowing it’s not going to change on short notice,” Gov. Ned Lamont (D) said. “Knowing you have a little continuity and a little bit of respect. And this bill is about a little bit of respect for the folks who are playing by the rules.”

The Connecticut Apartment Association said in response: 

“Connecticut needs more housing in more places, and legislators need to focus on bills that will grow more housing for all incomes. Our members will stay at the table with them to craft sustainable responses that ensure accountability and solve Connecticut’s housing crisis.”