SB 3771

Abstract

Creates the Tenant Protection Act. Provides that after a tenant has continuously and lawfully occupied a residential real property for 12 months, the owner of the residential real property shall not terminate the tenancy without just cause. Provides that before an owner of residential real property issues a notice to terminate a tenancy for just cause that is a curable lease violation, the owner shall first give notice of the violation to the tenant with an opportunity to cure the violation. Provides that if an owner of residential real property issues a termination notice based on a no-fault just cause, the owner shall: (1) assist the tenant to relocate by providing a direct payment to the tenant; or (2) waive, in writing, the payment of rent for the final month of the tenancy, prior to the rent becoming due. Provides that an owner of residential real property shall not, over the course of any 12-month period, increase the gross rental rate for a dwelling or a unit more than 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living, or 10%, whichever is lower, of the lowest gross rental rate charged for that dwelling or unit at any time during the 12 months prior to the effective date of the increase. Provides that if the same tenant remains in occupancy of a unit of residential real property over any 12-month period, the gross rental rate for the unit of residential real property shall not be increased in more than 2 increments over that 12-month period. Requires, on or before January 1, 2031, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to report to the General Assembly regarding the effectiveness of the Act. Repeals the Act on January 1, 2031. Effective immediately.