The bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to update notice requirements for terminating various types of tenancies and enhance tenant protections. For month-to-month tenancies, the notice period is increased from thirty days to sixty days, with a further extension to one hundred twenty days for tenants aged sixty-two years or older. The bill also introduces a new section, 34-18-37, which outlines the termination of periodic tenancy.

Additionally, the bill revises eviction notice requirements, including the introduction of specific forms for a five-day demand notice for nonpayment of rent and a notice of noncompliance. It establishes a new section for proof of service to document how eviction notices are served.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the inclusion of a "TENANT'S ANSWER" section in eviction actions, allowing tenants to assert defenses against eviction, such as the landlord's refusal to accept rent or failure to maintain habitable conditions. A "COUNTERCLAIM" section is also added, enabling tenants to seek damages or monetary awards from landlords. This act aims to strengthen tenant rights and improve the eviction process, taking effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
719: 34-18-37, 34-18-56