Lamont Backs Eviction Reform Bill

0:00Governor Ned Lamont just threw his weight behind a big eviction reform bill in Connecticut. Senate Bill 257 would force landlords to give a real reason before kicking tenants out, ending those no-fault evictions at the end of a die. Please, this only hits buildings with five or more units, a win for renters facing surprise boots. Lamont stayed quiet on this for past sessions, but Thursday he showed up at a press conference with tenants unions, lawmakers, and faith leaders too. Pledge support. He called out landlords getting arrogant in a tight market, saying folks who follow the lease rules shouldn't get treated like that. Tenants are fired up, sharing stories of getting evicted just so owners could jack up rinse after buying complexes. Advocates like those from New London say it's abuse, destabilizing families and communities. On the flip side, landlord groups argue no-fault evictions are key for handling nuicences or dangers without court drama. Republicans are pushing back hard, claiming it tramples property rights and might scare off rental owners.

1:01Landlord leaders say the bill flopped before with bipartisan resistance and nothing's changed to fix it. But Dems in the housing committee are rallying, telling folks to fight like it's their own place on the line. This shift from Lamont gives tenants real momentum as the bill heads to the Senate, first this year. Co-chairs are confident it'll move, even if the House votes look shaky. With the governor's office now reviewing docs, eviction reform feels closer than ever for Connecticut renters holding it down. You've been listening to Hartford News today, AI-powered local news.