Bill > H1463

This bill aims to establish a rent escrow account system to address code violations by landlords. Key provisions include: 1. Banks must create a two-party escrow account upon request by a tenant claiming relief under the existing law, with the tenant and landlord as the authorized parties. The bank cannot require the landlord's signature to create the account initially. 2. Tenants can withhold rent and deposit it into the escrow account if certain conditions are met, such as a board of health certification of code violations, proper notice to the landlord, and the landlord's failure to address the issues within the specified timeframe. Tenants receiving rental assistance only need to deposit their portion of the rent. 3. The court can order the funds in the escrow account to be used for necessary repairs if the landlord is required by law to make repairs or is experiencing severe financial hardship. The bill aims to provide tenants with a mechanism to withhold rent and ensure necessary repairs are made, while also protecting landlords' interests in certain circumstances.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1463