Connecticut Renters Push for Expanded Eviction Protections

Tenant advocates seek 'just cause' eviction rules to prevent arbitrary displacements

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Tenant advocates in Connecticut are once again pushing for expanded 'just cause' eviction protections that would require landlords to justify evictions, beyond simply not paying rent or violating a lease. This comes as data shows about 100,000 eviction filings in the state over the past six years, affecting up to 1 in 20 rental households. Supporters argue the protections are needed to prevent unfair displacements, while some landlords express concerns about losing control over their properties.

Why it matters

Evictions can have devastating impacts on renters, disrupting lives, communities, and access to stable housing. This effort aims to provide more safeguards against arbitrary or retaliatory evictions, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. However, landlords argue the protections could limit their ability to manage their properties effectively.

The details

The proposed 'just cause' eviction law would require landlords to justify evictions based on specific reasons, such as non-payment of rent or lease violations. Currently, this protection only applies to tenants 62 and older or those with disabilities. Advocates want to expand it to all renters, while landlords say it could hamper their ability to make necessary changes to their properties.

  • Over the past six years, there have been about 100,000 eviction filings in Connecticut.
  • During the current legislative session, tenant advocates are once again pushing for the 'just cause' eviction bill.

The players

Sun Queen

A New Haven resident who received a 'notice to quit' after 14 years of living in the same apartment.

John Souza

The leader of a small and mid-size landlord association in Connecticut, who expresses concerns about the 'just cause' eviction proposal.

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What they’re saying

“After 14 years of building a life and trying the same apartment, I received the notice to quit; 14 years of memories, stability, community reduced to a piece of paper telling me to disappear.”

— Sun Queen (nbcconnecticut.com)

“It takes away the control of my building, and I do protect my building to protect my good tenants more than anything, but occasionally you have to do other things. You have to remodel the units, and I can't do it when somebody's in there cause it's too much, you know, you have too much work, especially half the housing in Connecticut's over 100 years old.”

— John Souza, Connecticut Coalition of Property Owners (nbcconnecticut.com)

What’s next

The proposed 'just cause' eviction bill will be considered during the current legislative session in Connecticut. Supporters are hopeful it will pass this time, after previous attempts have failed.

The takeaway

This effort to expand eviction protections highlights the ongoing tension between renters' needs for stability and landlords' desire for control over their properties. As housing costs and eviction rates rise, policymakers must balance these competing interests to ensure vulnerable populations have access to safe, affordable, and secure housing.