CT SB00355

Commissioner of Housing shall adopt regulations by January 1, 2022 establishing time limits for considering criminal records: maximum 7 years for felonies and maximum 3 years for misdemeanors immediately preceding a rental application.

Landlords and their agents who rent in accordance with these regulations are immune from civil liability for subsequent criminal acts of tenants, unless the landlord was a conspirator, accomplice, or otherwise complicit.

Housing authorities evaluating public housing unit applicants may consider criminal history during the established time period and involving crimes of physical violence, controlled substance offenses, or other acts adversely affecting health, safety, or welfare of other tenants.

Housing authorities must consider time, nature, extent of conduct, evidence of rehabilitation, willingness to participate in counseling programs, and program availability when evaluating applicants with criminal histories.

Section 1 becomes effective October 1, 2021; Section 2 amending public housing authority criteria becomes effective January 1, 2022.