Democrats controlling the state legislature promised to focus this session on making housing more affordable, but will their efforts instead convince smaller landlords to pull property off the market?
Consider the “Just Cause Requirement Eviction Of Residential Tenant” bill that would basically force landlords to pay the rent of their tenants if bureaucrats decide they don’t have just cause to ask the tenants to leave.
Once again, Democrats just can’t help but give away other people’s property.
So this bill dropped from House Democrats this week.
Under HB-1171, if a landlord wants to “no fault” evict a tenant, they must provide relocation assistance in the amount of 2 months rent — PLUS another months rent in cash. #Housing #CoLeg #CoPolitics https://t.co/O4Fgx9fIVU pic.twitter.com/w2ctHMIoor
— Roger D. Hudson (@RogerHudsonCO) February 4, 2023
House Bill 23-1171 decides under what conditions a tenant can be evicted.
And then, forces the landlord to pay up to three months’ rent if eviction is because the owner needs their house back to live in.
From the bill:
The following conditions constitute grounds for a no-fault eviction of a tenant, with certain limitations:
- Demolition or conversion of the residential premises;
- Substantial repairs or renovations to the residential premises; or
- Occupancy of the residential premises assumed by the landlord or a family member of the landlord.
A landlord that proceeds with a no-fault eviction of a tenant must provide relocation assistance to the tenant in the amount of 2 months’ rent plus the amount of one additional month of rent if any of the following individuals reside in the residential premises at the time the landlord proceeds with the no-fault eviction:
- An individual who is less than 18 years of age or at least 60 years of age;
- A low-income individual; or
- An individual with a disability.
If a landlord proceeds with an eviction of a tenant of a residential premises in violation of the new provisions, the tenant may seek relief as provided in existing laws concerning unlawful removal of a tenant.
Homeowners would think twice about renting out rooms, or a second home, if they are the ones responsible for paying three months rent if needs arise to do something else with the property.
Just because a rental property is no longer available, does not mean the renter can’t afford to pay another three months rent.
The bill is sponsored by Democrat state Reps. Javier Mabrey, Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, and Sen. Julie Gonzales.
It deserves a quick death in committee.