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SB 179

AN ACT REQUIRING THAT A FAIR RENT COMMISSION AWARD ATTORNEY'S FEES TO THE PREVAILING PARTY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Sampson

Connecticut bill requiring Fair Rent Commission to award attorney's fees to prevailing party in rent disputes, shifting legal cost burden to losing side.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Housing
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Bill Summary · SB 179

Legislative bill overview

SB 179 would require that in cases brought before a Fair Rent Commission, the prevailing party (whether landlord or tenant) be awarded attorney's fees by the opposing party. This shifts the current cost burden in rent dispute cases by making the losing party responsible for legal costs, rather than each party bearing their own expenses.

Why is this important

Attorney's fees can constitute a significant barrier to accessing dispute resolution, particularly for lower-income tenants who may avoid legal action due to cost. This bill could either encourage more people to pursue legitimate claims or, conversely, deter some from filing if they fear paying the other side's legal costs. The rule's impact depends heavily on how "prevailing party" is defined and whether protections exist for good-faith claims.

Potential points of contention

  • Chilling effect on tenant claims: Tenants with weaker cases or uncertain outcomes may avoid filing legitimate disputes if they risk paying landlord attorney's fees, potentially reducing access to justice for vulnerable populations
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify what constitutes a "prevailing party" or whether partial victories trigger fee awards, creating uncertainty and potential litigation over fees themselves
  • Landlord advantage: Landlords typically have more resources to fund legal representation, potentially using fee-shifting as a leverage tool to pressure tenants into unfavorable settlements

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

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