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HB 6891

AN ACT PROHIBITING A LANDLORD FROM REQUIRING A SECURITY DEPOSIT IN EXCESS OF ONE MONTH'S RENT FROM ANY TENANT.

2025 Regular Session

HB 6891 caps security deposits at one month's rent for all tenants, lowering upfront move-in costs and forcing landlords to adjust screening and protections.

FILE NO. 264
#elderlypersons #landlordandtenant #securitydeposits
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Bill Summary · HB 6891

Summary — HB 6891

Title: AN ACT PROHIBITING A LANDLORD FROM REQUIRING A SECURITY DEPOSIT IN EXCESS OF ONE MONTH'S RENT FROM ANY TENANT.
Bill Number: HB 6891 (File No. 264)
Introduced: February 6, 2025
Classification / Subjects: bill; Elderly persons, Landlord and Tenant, Security Deposits

Main purpose and intent

HB 6891 would limit the amount a landlord may require as a security deposit from a tenant to no more than one month’s rent. The bill’s stated objective is to cap upfront deposit requirements, thereby lowering initial move-in costs for renters and increasing housing affordability and access.

Key provisions (based on title and available legislative record)

  • Prohibits landlords from requiring a security deposit that exceeds one month’s rent from any tenant.
  • Applies to all tenant-landlord rental agreements covered under the bill’s statutory scope (specific statutory references and any exemptions or exceptions are not included in the available summary).
  • The bill is categorized as relevant to elderly persons, indicating it may be intended to protect older renters among other tenant groups, though the available material does not specify special provisions for elders.

Note: Full statutory language, definitions (for example how “rent” is defined, treatment of last month’s rent, fees, pet deposits, damages, or other charges), enforcement mechanisms, and effective date are not available in the provided document.

Who would be affected

  • Tenants and prospective tenants: Reduced upfront cash needed to rent a unit (cap at one month’s rent). This can especially help low-income renters and renters on fixed incomes (including elderly tenants).
  • Landlords and property managers: Limits on maximum security deposit collections could affect risk management practices; they may rely more on screening, rental insurance, or other contractual protections.
  • Housing market and assistance programs: Organizations that assist tenants with move-in costs may see changes in demand; municipal/state housing enforcement offices may need to monitor compliance.

Procedural timeline / status (legislative actions recorded)

  • 2025-02-06: Referred to Joint Committee on Housing.
  • 2025-02-18: Public hearing held (listed as 02/18).
  • 2025-03-06: Joint Favorable report.
  • 2025-03-10: Filed with LCO.
  • 2025-03-20: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis (03/25/25 indicated).
  • 2025-03-26: Reported out of LCO; Favorable report and tabled for House calendar. House calendar number 187; File No. 264.

Notes and open questions

  • The actual bill text was not provided; therefore, important details (definitions, exemptions, penalty/enforcement language, effective date, and treatment of non-security fees like last month’s rent or pet deposits) are not available.
  • A fiscal and legal analysis has been requested (referral to OLR and OFA), which may clarify budgetary impacts on state/local governments and enforcement mechanisms.
  • If enacted, the bill would change standard landlord-tenant financial practices; stakeholders may seek implementing guidance or regulatory clarification.

If you would like, I can draft a short checklist of practical implications for landlords and tenants or summarize likely fiscal/legal questions the Office of Fiscal Analysis might address.

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

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