Connecticut lawmakers are facing challenges as key housing legislation, including a proposed “just cause” eviction bill, struggles to gain traction before the session ends on June 4. Despite significant tenant advocacy, opposition within the Democratic caucus and concerns from landlords have left the bill’s future uncertain, while discussions on zoning reform and affordable housing continue.
Connecticut Tenants Rally for Change
Last week, a group of Connecticut tenants gathered outside the state capitol, advocating for a bill that would prevent landlords from evicting residents after their leases expire without “just cause.” Rosalina Rojano, a Hartford resident and mother of five, shared her struggles, saying, “This cause is important to me because rents are rising, and (landlords) are evicting people.”
‘Just Cause’ Eviction Faces Opposition
While tenants push for change, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter expressed doubts about the bill’s passage. He acknowledged significant opposition from fellow Democrats, stating, “I’ve seen things get resurrected… it’s just, that one is a hard one.” With only two weeks remaining in Connecticut’s legislative session, the bill seems unlikely to come up for a vote.
Zoning Reform: A New Hope?
For years, lawmakers have debated zoning reforms aimed at encouraging more housing construction. The proposal titled “Towns Take the Lead” would incentivize towns to zone for more affordable housing units. If adopted, towns complying with these goals would be prioritized for certain state funds, according to Erin Boggs, executive director of Open Communities Alliance.
Gov. Lamont’s Zoning Plan
Governor Ned Lamont has proposed a competing zoning reform, which offers incentives for towns to build rental units in “priority housing development zones.” However, Lamont has expressed reluctance to force towns to act, emphasizing, “I want to do everything I can to empower communities to do the right thing, to get housing where they want the housing to go.”
Tenant Protections in Limbo
While the “just cause” eviction bill has passed the Housing Committee, it faces significant obstacles. Ritter pointed out objections within the Democratic caucus, particularly concerns about making it harder to evict problematic tenants or discouraging landlords from renovating properties. Despite these issues, he noted, “We could not solve that in the caucus,” leaving the bill’s fate uncertain.
Landlords Support ‘Just Cause’ Defeat
For landlords, the failure of the “just cause” eviction bill is a win. Lauren Tagliatela, a landlord active with the Connecticut Apartment Association, argued, “Something like ‘just cause’ would keep some dangerous, problematic folks in place and would be a threat to the other folks that live near them.” Tenant advocates countered, saying the bill would protect residents from unfair evictions.
Housing Bill: Last-Minute Push
As Connecticut’s legislative session nears its end, lawmakers are working on a housing omnibus bill, which will likely include zoning reforms, homelessness measures, and public housing resources. House Majority Leader Jason Rojas noted, “There’s this ickiness that people have about going back to how we used to do public housing… but we should be able to avoid some of the mistakes.” The bill could provide a comprehensive solution to the state’s housing crisis.