CT SB00048

Landlords must change locks or permit tenants to change locks within 48 hours upon request when the tenant is named as a protected person in a valid protective, restraining, or registered foreign order of protection that requires the respondent to stay away from or maintain distance from the home.

Tenants may change locks themselves if landlords fail to do so within the required timeframe, provided the new locks are of similar or improved quality and a key is provided to the landlord within two business days.

Landlords may charge tenants the actual reasonable cost of lock changes (including labor and materials) but cannot use nonpayment as grounds for eviction; costs may be recovered through lawsuit or security deposit deduction.

Landlords must deny housing access to tenants named as respondents or defendants in protective orders requiring them to stay away, and cannot charge additional rent, deposits, or fees to protected persons due to the exclusion of the respondent or defendant.

Landlords and their agents are immune from civil liability for denying access to respondents or defendants when complying with this law and applicable court orders.