Bill > LB267

This bill amends the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to provide protections for tenants experiencing domestic violence by establishing two key mechanisms for removing perpetrators and ensuring tenant safety. First, if a cotenant or occupant commits domestic violence against another tenant or household member, the victim tenant can request the removal of the perpetrator from the rental agreement by providing the landlord with either a protective order or a certification of domestic violence. The landlord must then serve a five-day notice to the perpetrator and, if the perpetrator does not vacate, file a suit for recovery of possession. If the landlord prevails in court, they can recover court costs and attorney's fees, change the locks, and only allow the perpetrator to retrieve belongings when escorted by law enforcement. Second, if the domestic violence is committed by someone not living in the unit, the tenant can require the landlord to change the locks within 24 hours of providing documentation, with the landlord using methods like replacing the lock, rekeying it, or resetting electronic entry codes. If the landlord fails to change the locks, the tenant may do so themselves and must provide the landlord with a new key or entry method. The bill aims to provide tenants experiencing domestic violence with more control over their living situation and personal safety, while offering landlords clear guidelines for handling such sensitive situations.