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Bill

PS 1016

Para enmendar el Articulo 1343 de la Ley Núm. 55-2020, según enmendada, conocida corno "Código Civil de Puerto Rico", a fin de disponer que el requisito de constar por escrito aplicará únicamente a los contratos de arrendamiento sobre bienes inmuebles cuyo término exceda de seis (6) años.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill lowers written contract requirement for leases from all terms to only those exceeding six years, potentially increasing housing access but reducing tenant protections.

Ley 122-2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 1016

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1016 proposes amending Article 1343 of Puerto Rico's Civil Code (Law 55-2020) to modify the written contract requirement for lease agreements. Currently, all lease contracts must be in writing; this bill would make the written requirement apply only to leases exceeding six years in duration, allowing shorter-term leases to be oral or informal.

Why is this important

This change directly affects landlord-tenant law and contract enforceability in Puerto Rico. It could increase accessibility to short-term housing arrangements by reducing formal requirements but simultaneously creates potential disputes over lease terms, duration claims, and tenant protections for informal agreements covering up to six years.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant protection concerns: Oral leases up to six years lack written documentation, making it harder for tenants to prove terms, dispute illegal evictions, or establish their rights if landlords deny agreements existed
  • Landlord uncertainty: Property owners may face difficulty enforcing lease terms or collecting rent disputes without written contracts, increasing litigation costs
  • Inconsistency with consumer protection: The change conflicts with general contract law principles favoring written documentation for significant agreements and may complicate interactions with mortgage lenders or property insurance requirements

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

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