The bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to introduce new definitions and provisions regarding tenant eviction. It establishes a new section that mandates landlords to provide just cause for evicting tenants from housing accommodations. The bill specifies that landlords cannot remove tenants without a court order, even if there is no written lease or if the lease has expired. It outlines several grounds for just cause, including failure to pay rent, violation of tenancy obligations, committing a nuisance, illegal use of the property, and unreasonably refusing landlord access for necessary repairs, among others.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that allow landlords to recover possession of housing accommodations for personal use under specific conditions, while also protecting tenants from eviction based on fraudulent claims regarding the use of the housing accommodation.

Key insertions in the bill include definitions for "disabled person" and "housing accommodation," as well as the introduction of sections that clarify the applicability of just cause evictions, which exclude certain owner-occupied premises and premises subject to state or federal rent regulations. The bill also states that any agreement waiving a tenant's rights under the new provisions would be void, reinforcing the protection of tenant rights. Furthermore, it requires landlords to comply with all applicable laws governing eviction processes and notice to tenants. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance tenant security and ensure that evictions are conducted fairly and legally.

Statutes affected:
212: 34-18-11