Everyone should have the opportunity to live in stable, safe, fair, and affordable homes.

We are grateful that the House passed Good Cause Evictions (HB477) and the Tenant Safety Act (HB1117) - two bills that are critical to keeping people housed in safe and healthy homes. It is now up to the Senate to take action and pass these bills in their strongest form before the end of the legislative session and send them to the Governor. Both bills are in the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee and we need you to help urge the Senate President, the Chair, and members of the committee to move this legislation forward.

Local Enabling Legislation for Good Cause Eviction (HB 477) would allow counties to adopt “Good Cause Eviction” (aka “just cause”) laws if they so choose. Landlords often refuse to renew leases when tenants organize for their rights, demand that repairs be made, or complain about violations of the law. “Good Cause” laws protect tenants from this kind of retaliation and promote housing stability for tenants and neighborhoods.

The Tenant Safety Act (HB 1117) will make the “rent escrow” process more accessible to renters and groups of renters who want to hold their landlord accountable for severe conditions of disrepair that threaten life, health, or safety. Landlords who fail to make repairs will face significant penalties.