Bill > S2052

This bill allows a court to authorize a domestic violence victim with a temporary or permanent restraining order to change the locks on their residential rental unit. The victim must notify the landlord in writing that they have been granted such an order. If the landlord does not change the locks within 48 hours, the victim may change the locks themselves. The victim is responsible for the costs, but can seek reimbursement. The bill also provides protections for the landlord from liability for any damages that occur within 48 hours of the lock change and before the landlord is notified. This is intended to prevent domestic violence perpetrators from easily gaining access to the victim through unchanged locks.