HB 2828
Relating to landlord and tenant
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes tenants’ rights regarding emergency services, lease termination due to violence, and privacy. It allows tenants to contact emergency services without landlord restriction and grants tenants the right to terminate a lease if they fear imminent violence due to domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, sexual extortion, or stalking. Additionally, the bill strengthens a tenant’s right to privacy by limiting landlords’ ability to enter a rental property without reasonable notice, except in specific circumstances like necessary repairs or suspected illegal activity.
Key provisions
- Tenants can contact emergency services without landlord restriction.
- Tenants can terminate a lease due to fear of violence (domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sexual extortion) without penalty.
- Landlords cannot bar or penalize tenants for calling emergency services.
- Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a tenant’s unit, except in emergencies.
- Landlords can enter without notice if they reasonably suspect immediate danger to persons or property.
- Tenants are entitled to a penalty (rent reduction, deposit return, and a $1,000 civil penalty) for landlord violations of privacy.
- Disclosure of entry must be provided if the landlord enters without prior notice.
- The bill preempts local ordinances that conflict with its provisions.
Who is affected
- Residential Tenants
- Landlords
- Domestic Violence Victims
- Victims of Sexual Assault
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