Connecticut House Bill HB05367

Connecticut 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/26
• Refer: 2/26/26
• Report Pass: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/19/26
• Report Pass: 3/25/26

Caption

An Act Concerning The Removal Of Unauthorized Persons From Residential Property.

Impact

Upon enactment, HB 5367 will provide property owners with a more direct means to address trespassers on their residential properties. The law allows owners to engage law enforcement more easily by providing an affidavit that verifies their ownership and the circumstances justifying the removal request. This changes how unauthorized occupants are dealt with, by enabling quicker intervention from local law enforcement agencies and potentially reducing property disputes related to unlawful occupancy.

Summary

House Bill 5367 aims to streamline the process for property owners to remove unauthorized individuals from their residential properties. This legislation defines an 'unauthorized person' and outlines the parameters under which a real property owner or their authorized agent may request the immediate removal of such persons from their property. The bill emphasizes that the request must satisfy specific conditions, such as the property not being open to the public at the time of the unauthorized entry and the individual being neither a tenant nor a family member of the owner.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5367 appears to be supportive among property owners and advocates for more streamlined law enforcement responses to unauthorized occupancy issues. Proponents have praised the bill as a necessary tool for property rights, emphasizing the need for quick resolutions to prevent unlawful residents from causing distress. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential for abuse of this process, particularly in ensuring that illegal removals do not occur without adequate legal protections for all parties involved.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the possible implications of this legislation on the rights of tenants and the potential for wrongful removals if the affidavits are misused. Critics may argue that this bill could lead to property owners using it as a quick fix to eliminate perceived problems without going through the due process typically required in eviction cases. The balance between empowering property owners and ensuring tenant protections is likely to be a significant point of discussion as the bill moves forward.