Signed by Governor Matt Mead

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that exempts a tenant from having to pay rent after improper termination of a lease agreement if the tenant is a victim of, or under the threat of, domestic abuse or sexual violence, effective July 1, 2011.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a tenant to terminate his or her lease agreement early if all of the following are true (Sec. 1):
• The tenant or another member of the tenant's household was a victim of domestic abuse or sexual violence on the premises at the time the tenant vacated the premises;
• The tenant provided 30 days written notice to the landlord prior to vacating the premises, stating that the reason for vacating the premises was domestic abuse or sexual violence; and
• The domestic abuse or sexual violence occurred not more than 60 days prior to the date the tenant provided written notice to the landlord.

• Specifies that the tenant is not liable for rent for the remainder of the lease period (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a tenant to change his or her locks, at the tenant's expense, if the tenant believes that he or she is under credible imminent threat of domestic abuse or sexual violence on the premises (Sec. 2).

• Specifies an effective date of July 1, 2011 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text