Bill > S0738

This bill provides comprehensive protections for tenants who are victims of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by allowing them to terminate their lease early without penalty. The legislation enables tenants to end their rental agreement if they or a household member have been a victim of abuse within the past 150 days, with the requirement that they provide written verification of their situation through various means such as a protective order, police report, or documentation from a professional like a counselor or advocate. The bill also mandates that landlords keep all information about the tenant's situation strictly confidential and prohibits them from discriminating against tenants who terminate their lease under these circumstances. Additionally, the legislation gives tenants the right to request lock changes if they feel they are under imminent threat, with the landlord required to change the locks within two business days. The bill defines a wide range of abusive behaviors, including specific criminal acts like domestic assault, sexual assault, stalking, and child abuse, and ensures that tenants can terminate their lease or change locks without facing financial penalties or retaliation. Any attempts to waive these protections in a lease agreement are explicitly declared void and unenforceable, providing strong legal safeguards for victims seeking to protect themselves.