The bill amends the "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" to introduce new definitions and provisions regarding tenant eviction. It adds a section that defines "just cause" for eviction, stipulating that landlords cannot remove tenants from housing accommodations without a court order, regardless of whether a lease is in place or has expired. The bill outlines specific grounds for eviction, including failure to pay rent, violation of tenancy obligations, committing a nuisance, illegal use of the property, and unreasonably refusing landlord access for repairs, among others.

Additionally, the bill establishes protections for tenants, such as the right to seek damages if they are wrongfully evicted and the requirement for landlords to comply with all applicable laws before initiating eviction proceedings. It specifies exemptions from just cause eviction for certain owner-occupied properties, including owner-occupied premises with fewer than five units and individual or family-owned properties that are separate from their primary residence. The bill also outlines conditions under which a landlord may seek possession of a unit for personal use, particularly in buildings with fewer than twelve units.

Key insertions in the bill include the definition of "disabled person" and the introduction of terms like "housing accommodation." Furthermore, it declares any tenant agreements waiving rights under the new provisions as void, reinforcing the intent to protect tenant rights against unjust evictions. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8109: 34-18-11