Overview: SB 5961, "Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and providing for attorney general enforcement", was introduced on January 4, 2024 and is currently in the Senate Committee on Housing.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to address issues of housing instability and affordability by implementing a range of tenant protections and landlord support measures. The goal is to create a more balanced and equitable landlord-tenant relationship, particularly for those living in residential and manufactured/mobile home communities.
Key Provisions:
- Limits annual rent increases to no more than 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is higher
- Requires landlords to provide at least 90 days' notice for any rent or fee increases
- Caps security deposits and move-in fees at one month's rent
- Establishes a landlord resource center to provide education and support services
- Allows tenants to terminate their lease with 60 days' notice if their rent is increased by more than the allowed amount
- Creates parity in tenant protections between residential and manufactured/mobile home communities
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would primarily benefit tenants living in residential and manufactured/mobile home communities, providing them with greater housing stability and affordability. Landlords would also be affected, as they would need to adjust their practices to comply with the new requirements.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill is currently in the Senate Committee on Housing, and its progress through the legislative process is uncertain. If passed, the provisions would likely take effect shortly after the bill's enactment.
