Bill > HB1441

This bill amends the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 to provide tenants' rights in cases of violence. The key provisions include: 1. Allowing eligible tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking to terminate their lease early or be released from it, by providing proper documentation such as a court order, a letter from a healthcare provider, or a certification form. 2. Requiring landlords to allow tenants to change or rekey locks if the tenant has a reasonable fear of the responsible party, and prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights under this law. 3. Prohibiting landlords from taking certain actions, such as increasing rent or refusing to renew a lease, due to a tenant or their family member being a victim, or the tenant previously exercising their rights under this law. 4. Providing civil remedies, including allowing tenants to terminate the lease or obtain injunctive relief, and awarding tenants damages equal to two or three times the monthly rent if a landlord willfully violates the law. The bill applies to leases entered into or extended on or after the effective date, which is 120 days after enactment.