Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes new rights and protections for renters.

Highlights:

• Authorizes tenants to request an inspection of the premises to allow the tenant to fix or repair anything that would otherwise be deducted from the security deposit (Sec. 7).

• Specifies that all tenant payments must first go towards outstanding rent, unless the tenant or any provisions in the rental agreement specifies otherwise (Sec. 10).

• Establishes that the tenant is not required to provide notice to the landlord to recover damages for improper maintenance of habitable dwelling unit conditions if the tenant can prove to the court that the landlord had knowledge of the unfit dwelling conditions (Sec. 15).

• Requires a landlord to allow a tenant to retrieve essential personal items from the premises during the 5 days following an eviction or tenant lockout (Sec. 20).

• Requires that a tenant be informed, by the landlord, of the new provisions related to inspections (Sec. 21).

• Authorizes the tenant to file a motion within 5 days of vacation or removal from premises to dispute the reasonableness of the actions of the landlord (Sec. 22).

• Specifies that the court may do the following at a hearing that must take place within 5 days of the filing of a motion by the tenant (Sec. 22):

• Order the landlord to allow the tenant to retrieve essential personal items for a specified period of time; and

• Award damages to the tenant in an amount no greater than $2500 after considering the following:

• Whether the landlord acted in good faith;

• The conduct between the landlord and tenant; and

• The harm or losses inflicted on the tenant as a result of the landlord’s conduct.

Full Bill Text