The bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to enhance tenant protections by updating notice requirements for terminating tenancies. For month-to-month tenancies, the notice period is increased from thirty days to sixty days, and to one hundred twenty days for tenants aged sixty-two years or older. The bill also includes provisions for terminating periodic tenancies, aligning with the updated notice requirements.

Additionally, the bill revises the language and structure of notices and complaint forms related to eviction proceedings. It introduces new forms for five-day demand notices for nonpayment of rent and notices of noncompliance with rental agreements.

Furthermore, the bill includes new legal language that allows tenants to submit a formal answer in eviction actions, featuring a section titled "TENANT'S ANSWER" for tenants to outline their defenses. A "COUNTERCLAIM" section is also introduced, enabling tenants to seek damages or monetary awards from their landlords.

These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and protections for both landlords and tenants. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2579: 34-18-37, 34-18-56