Senator Anwar Asks Governor to Postpone License Renewals For Real Estate Brokers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) wrote a letter to Governor Ned Lamont in response to concerns from his constituents regarding license renewal requirements for Connecticut real estate brokers and salespeople. License renewal for these workers, currently due by May 31, currently stands as an unneeded burden amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Many realtors have suffered from depressed home sales across Connecticut. They are also largely considered self-employed, meaning they were only recently able to file for unemployment assistance. Many have still not received any benefits due to delays in the unemployment application process. Sen. Anwar asked for them to receive a break of at least six months on these requirements.

The full letter is included below.

May 19, 2020

Governor Ned Lamont
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106

Dear Governor Lamont,

I am writing to request that you postpone all license renewal requirements for Connecticut real estate brokers and salespeople.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, home sales in our state have decreased and as a result many of Connecticut's realtors are suffering financially. Because most realtors are classified as "self-employed" they were only recently able to file for unemployment assistance; many are still waiting for their applications to be processed and have yet to receive any benefits.

The cost associated with license renewal and continuing education, currently due by May 31st, is an unneeded burden for Connecticut realtors. Giving them at least a six month break on these requirements would go a very long way to ensure their licenses do not lapse because of the inability to pay, help them keep their heads above water, and facilitate in the industry's recovery.

I look forward to discussing this suggestion further with you and your staff.

Respectfully,

M. Saud Anwar