The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5359 aims to amend provisions related to residential rental agreements, with significant changes set to take effect on October 1, 2026. The bill prohibits landlords from requiring electronic funds transfer as the sole method of rent payment and mandates that they provide at least one payment method at no additional cost to tenants. Additionally, it restricts certain clauses in rental agreements, such as those that allow landlords to impose increased rental charges after a lease expires or to charge tenants higher rent upon breaching the agreement.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Housing to publish a standardized rental terms summary form by January 1, 2026, and an updated version by July 1, 2026. This form must clearly outline key terms of the rental agreement, including the total periodic rent and any late fees applicable if rent is not paid within the grace period. The summary must be available in both English and Spanish, ensuring transparency and accessibility for tenants. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance tenant protections and promote fair rental practices.

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Raised Bill: