Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to protect tenants by ensuring they have alternative methods for paying rent if digital platforms are unavailable and by safeguarding tenant information. It also seeks to limit the costs tenants can incur for utilities that are billed apart from the rent.

Main Provisions

• Alternative Payment Methods for Rent:

  • Landlords who accept rent via digital platforms must provide other payment options if the digital service is unavailable.
  • Tenants facing physical, technological, or financial barriers to digital payments can request alternative payment methods, such as situations where they lack a credit/debit card or bank account.
  • No additional fees should be charged to tenants for using digital or alternative payment methods.
  • Landlords must rectify access to digital payment platforms quickly if disrupted and cannot take adverse actions against tenants if payment is delayed due to such issues.

• Prohibition on Adverse Actions:

  • Landlords are prohibited from initiating eviction or charging late fees if payment delays are caused by the unavailability of the digital payment platform or alternative methods.
  • Tenants can use the landlord's failure to comply as a defense in eviction actions, potentially leading to dismissal of the eviction case and entitlement to attorney fees and equitable relief.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill updates existing statutes to provide clearer guidelines on payment methods, aiming to prevent landlords from disclosing victim information, and regulating utility billing to prevent excessive charges.
• Strengthened tenant rights include the prohibition of fees for alternative payment methods and establishing tenant protections against eviction actions related to landlord non-compliance with payment method provisions.

Relevant Terms

digital payment platform, electronic funds transfers, alternative payment method, eviction protection, tenant rights, utility billing, landlord-tenant law, financial access barriers, adverse action.