HF2261

HF2261 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Landlords and tenants; effective dates clarified, landlord covenants modified, additional remedies provided, and technical changes made.

Related bill: SF1565

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This legislative bill intends to address issues in landlord and tenant relationships by clarifying effective dates, modifying landlord obligations, and providing additional remedies for tenants. It aims to enhance tenant protection and improve housing conditions through technical adjustments to existing statutes.

Main Provisions

Landlord Covenants: The bill updates landlord responsibilities under lease agreements. Landlords must ensure premises are fit for use, maintained in reasonable repair, energy-efficient, and comply with health and safety laws. It also includes a requirement for supplying adequate heat during colder months.
Tenant Remedies: Introduces procedures for tenants to deposit rent with the court if landlords fail to make necessary repairs after receiving notice of violations. This allows tenants to use their rent as leverage to ensure code violations are addressed.
Notice and Escrow Process: Includes detailed steps for tenants to follow when giving notice of violations and depositing rent in escrow. This includes specific conditions under which tenants can act without depositing rent if no payment is due.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Enhanced Tenant Rights: The changes allow tenants to have more power in ensuring landlords fulfill their contractual and legal obligations, particularly through the use of rent escrow and specific notification requirements.
Landlord Notification Requirements: Landlords must be promptly informed of any alleged violations, with a mandatory 14-day period to address them before tenants can take further action.
Technical Revisions: Updates to ensure alignment and consistency with other related housing and commercial practices laws.

Relevant Terms

landlord and tenant, lease, rental housing, property maintenance, tenant rights, rent escrow, code violation, energy efficiency, legal compliance, housing conditions

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 11, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Housing Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the scope of laws including unfair discrimination and unlawful practices."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removal of duties noted."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends the attorney general's duties regarding investigation and enforcement of certain laws under section 8.31.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates language to reflect current legal terms and practices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "8.31"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requires energy efficiency measures like weatherstripping and storm windows."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Not applicable for the current revision."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill modifies landlord covenants under section 504B.161.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines landlord's responsibility for pest extermination more clearly."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "504B.161"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provides clearer instructions for tenants on depositing rent with court due to violations."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No previous processes were removed but clarifications were made."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill outlines the process for rent escrow due to violations under section 504B.385.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies timelines and documentation required for rent escrow."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "504B.385"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows housing-related neighborhood organizations to notify landlords with tenant permission."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Waiver provision if landlord cannot be located is streamlined."
      ],
      "summary": "The bill updates the notification process to landlords about alleged violations under section 504B.395.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies situations where the notice requirements apply."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "504B.395"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "None directly related to 504B sections but part of broader enforcement duties."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removal noted."
      ],
      "summary": "In relation to section 8.31, the prevention of consumer fraud is referenced under sections 325F.68 to 325F.70.",
      "modified": [
        "Enforcement strategies updated in context of these sections."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "325F.68"
  }
]