Permits other residents of residential dwelling unit to extend term of rental agreement for 3 months after death of lessee, however it would not permit temporary tenant to permanent tenancy or rental assistance if transfer of benefits conflicts with law.
Impact
The proposed amendments to the law are likely to have a notable effect on both tenants and landlords. This bill aims to protect vulnerable individuals who may be left in precarious housing situations following the death of a primary tenant. By granting a grace period for temporary tenants to remain in the unit, it seeks to prevent sudden evictions that could lead to homelessness. Additionally, landlords would retain the right to eventually seek eviction if the terms of the agreement are not upheld, maintaining a level of control over their properties.
Summary
House Bill H8173 seeks to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by introducing provisions that allow remaining residents in a rental unit to extend the rental agreement for up to three months following the death of the lessee. This change is significant as it addresses situations where a tenant passes away and there are no other signatories left in the agreement. The bill stipulates that the deceased's live-in caregiver or any other eligible resident may continue the lease under specified conditions to offer stability during a difficult transition period.
Contention
Some potential points of contention surrounding H8173 include concerns regarding the balance of power between landlords and tenants. Critics may argue that extending the rental term without a signed agreement from the landlord could lead to complications, such as ambiguity over rental payments and maintenance responsibilities. Furthermore, there is a possibility that landlords could feel disadvantaged by the requirement to allow the temporary tenant to stay, especially if they prefer to find a new tenant or make significant changes to the property post-lease.
Notable_points
The bill highlights the need for clear communication and agreement between residents and landlords following a tenant's death. While the bill promotes tenant security during difficult times, it also underscores the necessity of maintaining lawful compliance with state regulations regarding rental agreements. Any rental assistance that was previously available to the deceased tenant will not extend to the grace period temporary tenant if it conflicts with federal or state law, which may limit practical support for those who find themselves in these situations. Overall, H8173 reflects a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding rental agreements and the need to address unique scenarios such as tenant deaths.
Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.
Permits those other residents of a residential dwelling unit to extend the term of the rental agreement for a period not to exceed three (3) months after the death of the lessee.