Landlord and tenant provisions modified, and termination of lease upon infirmity of tenant established.
Impact
The introduction of HF317 is expected to impact existing landlord-tenant laws significantly by establishing a clear process for lease termination based on tenant infirmities. It mandates that tenants can issue a two-month notice when they have been deemed needing specialized medical care, which could help alleviate the burden of housing insecurity for those falling ill. Furthermore, this bill is designed to uphold the rights of tenants requiring such accommodations, which emphasizes a more humane approach in housing policies, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Summary
House File 317 (HF317) proposes modifications to the laws governing landlord and tenant relationships in Minnesota, specifically regarding lease termination due to tenant infirmity. The bill allows tenants, or their authorized representatives, to terminate their lease in cases where a medical professional confirms the necessity for the tenant to move into a medical care facility due to health-related issues. This new provision recognizes both physical and mental health conditions that substantially limit a tenant's daily living activities, aiming to provide greater protections for vulnerable populations.
Contention
While HF317 introduces important protections for tenants, concerns regarding potential abuse of the lease termination provisions have been raised. Critics argue that while the bill is well-intentioned, it could lead to landlords facing financial burdens from unexpected lease terminations. There may also be concerns about safeguarding against fraudulent claims of infirmity, which could undermine the legal framework established by the bill. Nevertheless, proponents assert that it addresses a critical gap in current tenant protections, empowering those in need of medical assistance to secure appropriate living arrangements.
Landlord and tenant provisions modified, early renewals on rental leases limited, landlord required to provide tenant with notice of option to inspect rental unit at beginning and end of tenancy, and damages established.
Termination of lease upon loss of tenant income authorized, landlord obligations and liabilities modified, covenants modified, and recovery of costs authorized.
Housing; discrimination based on participation in public assistance prohibited, pet declawing and devocalization prohibited, fees prohibited, inspections required, notice provided, penalties provided, right to counsel provided, lease covenants and repairs in residential tenancy provided, renewal and termination of lease provided, residential evictions provided, and expungements provided.
Residential housing lease provisions amended; landlord and tenant rights and obligations provided; tenant screening provided; tenant associations provided; discrimination based on housing assistance prohibited; and landlord and tenant clarifying, technical, and conforming changes made.
Procedural requirements for evictions and expungements expanded, rental lease covenants and obligations expanded, and rental discrimination based on tenant's receipt of public housing assistance prohibited.
Health occupations: health professionals; permanent revocation of license or registration if convicted of sexual conduct under pretext of medical treatment; provide for. Amends sec. 16226 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16226). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4121'23
Payment rates established for certain substance use disorder treatment services, and vendor eligibility recodified for payments from the behavioral health fund.