The bill amends Section 34-18-30 of the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to introduce provisions for tenants to perform limited repairs and implement energy conservation measures. Specifically, if a landlord fails to address certain repair issues within 20 days after being notified by the tenant, and the cost of compliance is under $500 per year, the tenant may carry out the repairs and deduct the costs from their rent.

Additionally, the bill allows tenants, at their own expense, to implement energy conservation measures in any dwelling or dwelling unit, including but not limited to removable weather-stripping around doors and windows, removable interior storm windows, or insulation wrap around hot water heating tanks. However, this section does not apply to group living units, hotel units, or rooming units.

The bill clarifies that tenants cannot seek reimbursement for repairs if the damage was caused by their own actions or those of individuals they permitted on the premises. It also specifies that tenants are not authorized to make structural changes to a building and that they retain access to other legal remedies. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
58: 34-18-30