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 maintenance 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 to implement energy conservation measures at their own expense, such as installing removable weather-stripping, storm windows, or insulation wraps, while explicitly stating that these measures do not permit structural changes to the property.

The bill also clarifies that tenants cannot seek reimbursement for repairs if the damage was caused by their own actions or those of individuals they allowed on the premises. Furthermore, it emphasizes that the new provisions for energy conservation do not limit the tenant's access to other legal remedies. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5446: 34-18-30