BILL · 2021–22 SESSION · LATEST VERSION E2SSB 5160
SB 5160: Landlord-tenant relations
Addressing landlord-tenant relations by providing certain tenant protections during the public health emergency, providing for legal representation in eviction cases, establishing an eviction resolution pilot program for nonpayment of rent cases, and authorizing landlord access to certain rental assistance programs.
Summary
Ends the Governor's Eviction Moratorium on June 30, 2021.
Requires landlords to offer tenants a repayment plan for unpaid rent that accrued between March 1, 2020, and six months following the expiration of the eviction moratorium or the end of the public health emergency, whichever is greater, with monthly payments no more than one-third of the tenant's monthly rent.
Provides that landlords may file reimbursement claims under the Landlord Mitigation Program for unpaid rent that accrued between March 1, 2020, and six months following the expiration of the eviction moratorium, when the tenant has voluntarily vacated or abandoned the tenancy or when the tenant defaults on a repayment plan.
Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to contract with dispute resolution centers to establish a two-year, statewide Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERP) to facilitate the resolution of nonpayment of rent cases.
Provides that, subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the court must appoint counsel for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer proceedings.
Requires the Department of Commerce until March 31, 2022, to provide rental assistance directly to landlords on behalf of indigent tenants who are unable to access the ERP or obtain court-appointed counsel in unlawful detainer proceedings.
From the Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill Report (E2SSB 5160), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
Enacted (partial veto)Enacted with partial veto · Chapter 115, Laws of 2021
AN ACT Relating to addressing landlord-tenant relations by providing certain tenant protections during the public health emergency, providing for legal representation in eviction cases, establishing an eviction resolution pilot program for nonpayment of rent cases, and authorizing landlord access to certain rental assistance programs;