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SB 1169

AN ACT CONCERNING A LANDLORD'S ABILITY TO REVIEW THE CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD OF A PROSPECTIVE TENANT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Sampson

SB 1169 clarifies landlords' rights to access and consider criminal history records when screening prospective Connecticut tenants.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Housing
#criminalhistoryrecords #landlordandtenant
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Bill Summary · SB 1169

Legislative bill overview

SB 1169 would establish or clarify a landlord's legal right to review criminal history records when evaluating prospective tenants in Connecticut. The bill addresses what information landlords can access and consider during the tenant screening process, likely defining the scope and limitations of criminal background checks in rental applications.

Why is this important

This issue directly affects both housing access and property owner discretion. For tenants, criminal history screening can create barriers to housing, particularly for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to reintegrate into society. For landlords, it relates to property management, safety considerations, and liability concerns. The balance struck here influences homelessness rates, recidivism, and fair housing practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of criminal history: Whether landlords can consider all convictions or only relevant ones (violent crimes vs. minor offenses, age of conviction, sealed records)
  • Fair housing concerns: Risk that broad criminal screening disproportionately impacts protected classes and conflicts with fair housing laws
  • Tenant rehabilitation vs. landlord liability: Tension between giving formerly incarcerated individuals housing opportunities and landlords' perceived need to assess risk for tenant safety and property protection
  • Procedural protections: Whether the bill requires landlords to notify applicants of adverse decisions based on criminal history or provide opportunity to dispute information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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