Supporting Renters and Housing Stability in Waterbury
March 6, 2026
The short legislative session is moving at a rapid pace right now as my colleagues and I draft, debate, and vote on bills before key deadlines. I encourage you to participate by testifying on proposals that are under consideration.
I want to highlight several housing reforms that I'm supporting that could make a real difference for individuals and families in Waterbury. Considering that more than 60% of our city's residents are renters, housing stability is critical. It reduces chronic stress, improves overall health, and helps children succeed in school.
Testifying on just cause evictions proposal
One of the proposals you are most likely to hear about is an expansion to no-fault evictions. Senate Bill 257 would require landlords to provide a reason for an eviction and protects tenants from arbitrary, retaliatory, and discriminatory evictions at the time of lease renewal. Current protections only apply to renters who are 62 or older or those living with disabilities.
I have heard from many Waterbury residents about the struggles of finding stable housing after a no-fault eviction. And many fear they will be in the same situation soon. In today's tight and expensive housing market, losing an apartment without cause can make it extremely difficult to find another place to live.
Speaking with Connecticut Commissioner of Housing Seila Mosquera-Bruno
I am also advocating for a proposal which would protect renters from sudden and extreme rent increases when their building is sold to a new owner. House Bill 5092 would:
Protect tenants from “shock” rent increases after property sales
Help keep residents in their homes and communities
Discourage speculative property purchases that rely on quickly raising rents
I am co-sponsoring House Bill 5360, which would help survivors of domestic violence secure safe housing by preventing landlords from denying rental applications based on credit history. Some of the benefits of this legislation include:
Allowing victims to escape a bad situation safely
Recognizing the financial impact of abuse
Supporting independence of survivors
I joined advocates in speaking to Fox 61 about the importance of this measure.
Finally, I testified in full support of legislation making renting more affordable and accessible by limiting security deposits to no more than one month’s rent for all tenants. This change would reduce the large upfront costs, making it easier to move into a new apartment. House Bill 5257 could also help people relocate more quickly for jobs or emergencies while creating more consistent and predictable rules for security deposits across the state.
I will continue to monitor these proposals and provide updates as they move through the legislative process. Affordable and stable housing is essential to Waterbury, and I will keep advocating for solutions that support our residents and families.
