Bill > S0718

This bill amends the statewide mandatory rental registry law to limit registration requirements to residential properties constructed before 1978, and extends the registration deadline from September 1, 2024, to September 1, 2025, with penalties becoming effective October 1, 2025. The bill requires landlords of pre-1978 rental properties to register specific information with the state health department, including names, contact details, and property management information. Landlords must also provide a valid certificate of conformance for lead hazard mitigation or evidence of exemption. The legislation modifies previous restrictions on evictions for nonpayment of rent by removing language that previously required landlord registration compliance before initiating eviction proceedings. Landlords must initially register within 30 days of acquiring a property or leasing to a new tenant, and then re-register annually by October 1st. Penalties for non-compliance include civil fines of $50 per month for incomplete registration and $125 per month for failure to provide lead hazard certification. The department of health and attorney general are authorized to pursue additional injunctive relief and civil penalties for repeated non-compliance, with collected funds dedicated to lead hazard mitigation and prevention efforts.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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