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Bill

Bill

A 946

Prohibits landlords, lessors, sub-lessors and grantors from demanding brokers' fees from a tenant

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 22 co-sponsors

Bill A 946 protects tenants by banning landlords from charging brokers' fees, making housing more affordable and reducing financial burdens for renters.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 946

Summary of Bill A 946

Bill Number: A 946
Title: Prohibits landlords, lessors, sub-lessors, and grantors from demanding brokers' fees from a tenant
Status: Referred to Judiciary
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 946 aims to protect tenants from additional financial burdens associated with renting residential properties. Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit landlords, lessors, sub-lessors, and grantors from demanding brokers' fees from tenants. This legislation is intended to make housing more affordable and accessible by eliminating unnecessary costs that can deter individuals from securing rental agreements.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Brokers' Fees: The bill explicitly forbids landlords and related parties from requiring tenants to pay brokers' fees as part of the rental process.
  • Scope of Application: The prohibition applies to all residential rental agreements, ensuring that tenants across various housing situations are protected.
  • Enforcement Mechanism: While the bill does not specify enforcement details in the provided information, similar legislation typically includes provisions for tenants to report violations and seek remedies.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Tenants: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are tenants who would no longer be required to pay brokers' fees, potentially saving them hundreds to thousands of dollars when renting a property.
  • Landlords and Lessors: This bill would impact landlords and lessors by restricting their ability to charge brokers' fees, which may affect their revenue models.
  • Real Estate Brokers: Brokers may see a reduction in business opportunities as the demand for their services could decline if landlords are unable to pass on fees to tenants.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Status: As of January 8, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration. This is a standard procedural step in the legislative process, where the committee will review the bill and may hold hearings or make amendments before it is brought to the floor for a vote.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills A 7934 and A 4781, as well as companion bill S 571, indicating ongoing legislative interest in tenant protections and housing affordability.

Conclusion

Bill A 946 represents a significant step toward enhancing tenant protections in the rental market by eliminating brokers' fees. If enacted, it could lead to more equitable housing practices and alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by renters. The bill's progress through the Judiciary Committee will be closely watched as it may set a precedent for future housing legislation.

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

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