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Bill

A 7072

Entitles senior citizens to a refund of any security deposit exceeding one month's rent

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

Requires landlords to refund any security deposit above one month’s rent to senior tenants, cutting upfront housing costs and easing rent-burden for seniors.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 7072

Bill A 7072 — Summary

Overview

Bill A 7072, introduced March 20, 2025 and currently referred to the Judiciary, would entitle senior citizens to a refund of any security deposit that exceeds one month’s rent. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow. The bill is listed among related prior-session measures (A 2240, A 585, A 2394, A 4405, A 6526, A 2576, A 1817, A 1710, A 4644).

Purpose and Intent

  • To limit the burden of security deposits on senior tenants by ensuring that, if a security deposit exceeds one month’s rent, the portion above one month is refunded to the senior tenant.
  • The measure appears aimed at making residential rentals more affordable or fair for seniors, reducing up-front costs, and preventing excessive security deposits from being held.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the title; text not provided)

  • A defined category of tenants—“senior citizens”—would be eligible for the provision.
  • Landlords would be required to refund to eligible seniors any portion of the security deposit that exceeds one month’s rent at the end of the tenancy or at specified points in the tenancy, subject to any deductions for damages or unpaid rent as permitted by law.
  • The bill would specify that the maximum refundable amount to seniors is the amount of the security deposit exceeding one month’s rent; deposits equal to or less than one month’s rent would not trigger a refund under this provision.

Definitions and Scope

  • The bill would likely define who qualifies as a “senior citizen” (e.g., an age threshold) and would specify whether the provision applies to new and existing leases or only to new leases entered after enactment.
  • It may set parameters for calculating the refund, including handling of deductions for damages, unpaid rent, or other customary charges.

Affected Parties

  • Senior tenants (potential beneficiaries) who pay security deposits in rental arrangements.
  • Landlords and property managers who collect security deposits and administer refunds.
  • Real estate industry stakeholders and rental housing markets, depending on implementation and definitions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 20, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Judiciary (on March 20, 2025; the listing shows two identical entries, likely a clerical duplication).
  • No further committee actions or floor actions are listed in the provided material.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Financial: Could reduce up-front costs for eligible seniors and increase refunds; landlords may need to adjust deposit practices or maintain accounting for refunds.
  • Enforcement: Requires clear definitions (senior age threshold) and a robust process for calculating and issuing refunds, including handling of permitted deductions.
  • Implementation: May necessitate administrative rules or education for landlords to ensure compliance and timely refunds.
  • Market effects: Depending on definitions and scope, could influence rental pricing or deposit practices in markets with higher senior populations.

Related Context

  • The bill is part of a broader set of prior-session measures addressing security deposits (A 2240, A 585, A 2394, A 4405, A 6526, A 2576, A 1817, A 1710, A 4644), indicating ongoing legislative interest in tenant protections for seniors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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