The bill amends the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code by introducing a new section, 45-24.3-17, which establishes a process for tenants to withhold rent in response to housing code violations. Upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer, tenants are required to pay all or part of the rent accrued into an escrow account until the alleged violations are corrected. The amount deposited shall be equal to the rent the tenant may be due as an abatement for the landlord's failure to timely address the violations.

Additionally, the bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to require landlords to notify tenants of any housing code violations within thirty days of receiving a notice from enforcement agencies. It also mandates that landlords inform prospective tenants of any outstanding violations before entering into rental agreements. The amendments aim to ensure that tenants are aware of their rights and the status of their living conditions, while also providing a mechanism for tenants to counterclaim in rent-related legal actions based on the landlord's noncompliance with housing codes. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2901: 45-24.3-17