The bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to enhance protections for tenants who are victims of abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It introduces a new 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. The bill requires tenants to provide written verification of the abuse, which can include a protective order, a report to law enforcement, or a self-certification, and mandates that landlords keep this information confidential.

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for tenants to request a change of locks if they feel threatened, requiring landlords to respond within two business days and allowing them to charge a reasonable fee for the service. It prohibits landlords from denying rental agreements based on a tenant's prior lease termination due to abuse, ensuring that victims are not further marginalized in their housing situations. The bill also protects landlords from liability if they refuse to provide keys to individuals they believe to be perpetrators of abuse and holds them accountable for interfering with a tenant's right to change locks. Any waivers of these rights in lease agreements are deemed void and unenforceable. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
6160: 34-18-11