HB 6889 Will Likely Hurt the Very Tenants It Aims to Protect

A new bill making its way through the Connecticut General Assembly, House Bill 6889, aims to implement what's known as "Just Cause Eviction" protections. At first glance, it might sound like a step toward fairness for renters. But when you take a closer look at how this bill would actually work in practice, it becomes clear that HB 6889 would have devastating consequences — not just for housing providers, but for the very tenants it claims to protect.

If passed, HB 6889 would dramatically restrict a landlord’s ability to non-renew a lease unless a "just cause" can be proven, such as failure to pay rent or breach of lease. While it may seem reasonable in theory, the reality on the ground paints a very different picture.

Let’s explore why this bill is dangerous, short-sighted, and ultimately harmful to both tenants and housing providers.

❌ How HB 6889 Hurts Tenants

1. Reduces Available Housing Many small landlords — who already operate on tight margins — will opt to sell their properties or convert them to other uses instead of continuing to rent under increasingly restrictive conditions. This will shrink the rental housing supply, especially in urban areas like New Britain and Hartford.

2. Tougher Screening for New Tenants When housing providers lose the ability to legally end a tenancy without a court fight, they become more risk-averse. That means applicants with lower credit, prior evictions, or limited income may be denied housing — even if they’ve turned their lives around. This will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and increase homelessness.

3. Creates Hostile Living Situations If a landlord can’t simply choose not to renew a lease, even in cases where a tenant is disruptive but not technically in lease violation, both the tenant and the surrounding neighbors are forced to endure ongoing tension. This creates unsafe or unstable environments for everyone involved.

4. Discourages Property Improvements Investors trying to renovate properties or upgrade units will be bogged down by new procedural hurdles. In areas where housing desperately needs revitalization, this bill sends the message: “Don’t invest here.”

❌ How HB 6889 Hurts Housing Providers

1. Chases Away Private Investment No one wants to invest capital in a market where you can’t manage your own asset. By taking away basic property rights, HB 6889 sends a clear warning to developers and investors: Connecticut isn’t worth the risk.

2. Makes It Nearly Impossible to Remove Squatters Under this bill, even unauthorized occupants could be protected, making it incredibly difficult to remove individuals who have no legal right to occupy a property.

3. Allows Unruly Tenants to Stay Indefinitely Even if a tenant receiving 100% rental assistance is disturbing neighbors or damaging property, the bill could tie the landlord’s hands. It would take time, legal expense, and documentation — all while other tenants suffer.

4. Forces Stricter Screening Standards Landlords will be forced to raise their tenant criteria to avoid long-term risks. This will lock out tenants with past financial issues or minor rental history blemishes, pushing them further into housing insecurity.

5. Restricts Bank Lending on Multifamily Properties Banks often lend on multifamily dwellings under the assumption they can regain possession after foreclosure. HB 6889 would make this nearly impossible, turning banks into reluctant landlords and drying up critical financing for Connecticut housing stock.

📣 It’s Time to Take Action

If you believe HB 6889 is a step in the wrong direction, your voice is needed now more than ever. Most state lawmakers rarely hear from constituents, so when they receive even a handful of emails on a specific bill, it gets their attention.

Here’s how you can make an impact:

✅ Find your State Representative here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp Just enter your address and you’ll be shown who represents your district.

✅ Send them an email or call their office — let them know you oppose HB 6889 and explain why.

✅ Share this article with others in your community. The more people who speak up, the more likely we are to protect Connecticut’s housing future.

If we want a fair and functional housing market, we must pass policies that balance tenant protections with landlord rights — not tilt the scale so far that we dismantle the very system tenants rely on.

Let’s work toward real housing solutions — not reactionary policies that backfire on the people they’re meant to help.