.png)
Tenant Union News: Streets + Courts + Capitol
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
From the Capitol: Updates on Our Fight for Pro-Tenant Legislation
Just Cause Eviction Protection
The public hearing for the Just Cause Eviction Protection bill (SB 257) took place on February 24. We heard 75 spoken testimonies in support of the bill (compared to only 17 in opposition), plus 16 other pro-tenant and homeless rights testimonies. If you haven't submitted your own written testimony yet, it's not too late to do so. Upload it here and use our guide.
Other Key Legislation We Support
HB 5092 is the governor's proposed bill to limit rent increases to no more than 5% for the first year after a new landlord purchases a building. It's significant to see the governor backing any version of a rent cap; however, unless this bill is paired with Just Cause, it could incentivize even more mass no-fault evictions as a way for landlords to evade the rent cap. We are pushing for both policies to pass together.
HB 5260 bans cities from criminalizing homeless people who must sleep/eat/live outside. Our tenants' movement includes our unhoused neighbors in a shared fight for housing justice, stability, and dignity for all.
What's Next?
We're expecting the Just Cause bill to be approved by the Housing Committee on Tuesday. Next step: the floor of the Senate. We're planning a press conference to mark this milestone for Tuesday, March 17th at 11:00AM. Join us at the Capitol that day, and make sure your state representative and senator have heard from you about this crucial tenant-empowering bill.
From Our Chapters: Union Campaign Updates
Renters across New London County continue their fight against investment firm Alpha Capital. Niantic members are resisting displacement amid an ongoing condo conversion. In New London, after beating back a wave of no-fault eviction threats, tenants have now secured rent freezes through at least July. Our fight to bring CEO Tyler Smith to the table with the unions continues.
Members of the Sunset Ridge Tenants Union filed an Unfair Trade Practices lawsuit against Capital Realty Group to combat the landlord company’s pattern of retaliation against them and suppression of their rights as tenants, including their right to freely organize a tenant union. Join us for the initial court hearing for this case on Thursday, March 12th at the New Haven Housing court. A threat to one is a threat to all.
Get Trained & Get Involved
Join us for our next Legislative Session Training on March 21st, 12-4pm in Hartford and online. We'll provide in-depth insight into the legislative process, practical skills for talking effectively with legislators, and an opportunity to take action in real time.
Ready to organize with your neighbors to protect yourselves and build bargaining power? Join our next Organizing 101 Training on April 18th (location to be announced).
Recommended Reading
Follow CTTU on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
