This bill aims to provide legal protections for residents who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault by allowing them to terminate their rental agreements without penalty. It stipulates that a resident can end their rental agreement by giving written notice to the owner, accompanied by documentation such as a protective order or a letter from a service provider. The bill also ensures that if the resident terminates the agreement under these circumstances, they will not incur early termination fees and will only be responsible for rent owed up to the termination date. Additionally, it allows other residents in the same rental agreement to be released from financial obligations and enter into a new rental agreement if they meet current application requirements.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that a person alleged to have committed domestic violence or sexual assault may be held civilly liable for any economic losses incurred by the owner due to the early termination of the rental agreement. It also includes provisions that protect the rights of residents who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in eviction proceedings, allowing them to present defenses against eviction based on their victim status. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 47-8-33