Imposes a fine up to $150 a day on a landlord for failure to deliver a copy of a state or local housing code violation to each residential tenant and a notice to prospective tenants of the building affected by said violation within 30 days of its receipt.
This legislation seeks to enhance tenant rights by ensuring that they are adequately informed about potential health and safety hazards that may affect their living conditions. By forcing landlords to provide timely notifications, the bill aims to foster transparency and accountability within the rental market. Should this bill be enacted, it would bolster local enforcement of housing standards and create a more structured process for addressing violations, thereby aiming to improve overall housing quality.
House Bill H7961 aims to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by imposing new obligations on landlords regarding the notification of housing code violations. Under the proposed changes, landlords would be required to deliver a copy of any state or local housing code violations to each residential tenant in the affected building within 30 days of receiving the notice of violation. Additionally, landlords must inform prospective tenants about any outstanding violations before entering into a rental agreement. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in significant financial penalties.
While proponents argue that the bill promotes tenant welfare and protects the rights of individuals living in rental properties, there are potential challenges regarding its implementation. Critics may express concerns about the financial burden this places on landlords, particularly smaller landlords who may struggle to meet these stringent notification requirements. Additionally, the imposition of fines of up to $150 per day per unit could lead to disputes over the fairness of penalties and the capacity for landlords to comply. These points of contention suggest a broader debate about balancing landlord responsibilities and tenant protections in housing regulations.