The bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to enhance protections for tenants who are victims of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It introduces a definition of "abuse" and allows tenants to terminate their lease without penalty if they or a household member have experienced such acts within the last 150 days. This termination is contingent upon the tenant providing written verification of their victim status, which will remain confidential.

Additionally, the bill mandates that landlords must change locks within two business days upon request from a tenant, co-tenant, or household member who feels threatened, ensuring their safety. If the threat is posed by a tenant, co-tenant, or household member, the landlord may change the locks and deny a key to the alleged perpetrator upon receiving appropriate documentation.

The legislation prohibits landlords from denying rental agreements based on a tenant's previous lease termination due to victimization. Tenants who terminate their lease under these circumstances are only responsible for rent owed up to the termination date and are entitled to refunds of any security deposits or prepaid rent. Furthermore, any waivers of these rights in lease agreements are declared void and unenforceable, reinforcing the legal protections for victims of abuse. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
738: 34-18-11