Statement from Rep. Tony Scott on 'Just Cause' Proposal
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Tony Scott opposes SB 257, calling it state‑sanctioned trespassing.
- Bill would let tenants overstay leases regardless of owner consent.
- Landlord property rights would be curtailed under the proposed law.
- Scott warns more evictions and tenant records could harm future renters.
Hartford, CT – Call it what it is, it's state sanctioned trespassing.
The so-called Just Cause bill, would allow someone to overstay the length of the term of their lease, regardless of the wants of the property owner, indefinitely. A lease is a contract, and just like an Airbnb, a car or a hotel, there is a signed agreement between two parties for a period of time, for payment. People who own property and rent it out will have their rights taken away under this proposal.
I believe this bill could hurt tenants. There will be a lot more attempted evictions and that court action will be on a tenant's record leading to a hard time getting a rental in the future.
SB 257 is a slippery slope that could have unintended consequences and we as a legislature must consider all the ramifications of what we do.