Connecticut General Statutes §47a-20 prohibits Hartford landlords from retaliating against tenants for reporting code violations, joining tenant unions, or exercising statutory rights.
Under CT General Statutes §47a-20, Hartford landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who report habitability violations to Hartford Department of Health and Human Services, contact code enforcement, organize or join tenant unions, or exercise lease rights. Retaliation includes raising rent, decreasing services, threatening eviction, or refusing to renew within six months of the protected activity. The statute creates a presumption of retaliatory motive that landlords must rebut with documented legitimate non-retaliatory reasons. Tenants asserting retaliation defenses can avoid eviction and recover damages and attorney fees through Connecticut Superior Court housing sessions.
Initiating eviction, raising rent, cutting services, or threatening tenants within six months of a protected complaint creates a §47a-20 retaliation presumption and exposes landlords to damages, attorney fees, and dismissal of summary process actions.
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