Renter Protections Advance in New London

Members of the New London City Council and of the New London-based chapters of the Connecticut Tenants Unio (CTTU) co-hosted a press conference last week announcing their coordinated push for stronger renter protections and housing quality standards in the city.

Members of the CTTU New London Alpha Capital Division stood on the steps of the New London City Hall alongside union brothers and sisters, local elected officials, and community allies.

This event marked a crucial step in the fight for extended tenant protections. City officials announced proposed municipal legislation to establish a landlord licensing program.

This policy would establish an accessible landlord database, democratizing information that is necessary for both current and potential tenants. This legislation would also require New London city inspectors to proactively examine housing for safety and health concerns, ensuring the wellbeing of New Londoners across the city - and pairing those inspections with real enforcement.

New London tenant union members shared their experiences with housing code issues and landlord accountability.

The Connecticut Tenants Union presented proposals for reform, drawing from best practices in other Connecticut municipalities and from ongoing discussions with New London Mayor Passero and his staff.

"We're not here to make excuses, to ask you to compromise, or to say 'just give us some more time.' said New London City Councilor Shineika Fareus as she described their plan for passing and implementing the policy. “We're here to show there is work being done - and if it's not getting done, then we are to be held accountable."

“This is a win in our fight towards democracy, the tenant movement, and housing justice,” said CTTU in a thank you to New London City Council allies Shineika Fareus, Jeff Hart, and Akil Peck and other elected officials and community partners including Hearing Youth Voices.