The bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" by introducing new definitions and provisions regarding tenant eviction. It establishes a new section, 34-18-7.1, which outlines the applicability of just cause evictions, exempting certain owner-occupied premises and individual landlords managing small properties. Additionally, it introduces section 34-18-38.3, which stipulates that landlords cannot remove tenants from housing accommodations without good cause, even if there is no written lease or the lease has expired. The bill specifies various grounds for eviction, including nonpayment of rent, violation of substantial obligations of the tenancy, committing a nuisance, illegal use of the property, and unreasonably refusing landlord access for necessary repairs, among others.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the preservation of tenants' rights by declaring any agreements that waive these rights as void and requiring landlords to comply with all applicable laws governing eviction actions, including proper notice to tenants before initiating eviction proceedings. The act is set to take effect upon passage, reinforcing protections for tenants while outlining the conditions under which landlords may seek to evict them.

Statutes affected:
5503: 34-18-11