FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1462

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

C 339 L 19

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Providing notice of plans to demolish, substantially rehabilitate, or change use of residential premises.

Sponsors: Representatives Barkis, Reeves, Kirby, Riccelli, Jenkin, Stokesbary, Gildon, Walsh, Chambers, Dye, Hoff, Volz and Irwin.

House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary

Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Economic Development & Trade

Background:

The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) regulates the relationship between residential landlords and tenants, and includes provisions regarding the duties of tenants and landlords, remedies for violations of those duties, and definitions. Subject to a few exceptions spelled out in statute, the rental of a dwelling unit for living purposes is generally covered under the RLTA. A dwelling unit is a structure or that part of a structure which is used as a home, residence, or sleeping place.

A tenancy for a specified time such as one year, sometimes also called a lease, is deemed terminated at the end of the specified period. Alternatively, premises may be rented for an indefinite time, from period to period or month to month. Generally, such a tenancy is automatically renewed for another period until terminated by either the landlord or the tenant by giving at least 20 days' written notice prior to the end of any of the months or periods of tenancy.

A landlord must provide longer notice in certain situations:

Certain cities, counties, or towns (local governments) must develop comprehensive use plans. A provision in the RLTA provides that, if the local government is required to adopt one of these plans, the local government may require property owners to provide relocation assistance to low-income tenants upon the demolition, substantial rehabilitation, or change of use of residential property, or upon the removal of use restrictions in an assisted-housing development. Relocation assistance must not exceed $2,000 for each dwelling unit displaced, adjusted by the consumer price index. The property owner's portion must not exceed one-half of the total relocation assistance. The local government must pay the other portion of the relocation assistance. A property owner is not obligated to pay relocation assistance if the tenant moves out of the dwelling prior to the property owner's application for a permit for the change in use.

Summary:

A landlord under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) must provide at least 120 days' written notice to a tenant whenever the landlord plans to demolish or substantially rehabilitate premises or plans a change of use of premises. This requirement does not apply with respect to jurisdictions that have created a relocation assistance program and otherwise provide 120 days' notice.

A person in violation of this new RLTA requirement may be held liable in a civil action up to three times the monthly rent of the real property at issue. A prevailing party may recover court costs and reasonable attorney fees.

Certain terms are defined as follows:

Votes on Final Passage:

House

94

4

Senate

44

1

(Senate amended)

House

96

0

(House concurred)

Effective:

July 28, 2019