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. Key provisions include a new definition of "abuse" that encompasses various crimes and acts that present an imminent risk of serious harm. Tenants may terminate their lease without penalty if they or a household member have experienced such acts within the last 150 days, provided they submit written verification from law enforcement or authorized advocates.

Landlords are required to maintain the confidentiality of this information and must change locks upon request from tenants who feel threatened. If a landlord does not act within two business days of a request to change locks, tenants may change the locks themselves. The bill prohibits landlords from denying rental agreements based on a tenant's previous lease termination due to abuse and protects landlords from liability for refusing to provide keys to individuals they suspect to be perpetrators.

Additionally, landlords may be held liable for actual and consequential damages or three months' rent if they obstruct tenants from changing locks or fail to provide keys after a lock change, unless they can demonstrate good faith in their actions. The bill also stipulates that any waivers of these rights in lease agreements are void and unenforceable, thereby reinforcing tenant protections.

Statutes affected:
2165: 34-18-11