EHB 1217 Rent Control Hearing 2025 Senate - Ways and Means

SUMMARY OF EHB 1217

• Residential Provisions:

  • No rent increases in the first year of tenancy.
  • Following first year, no more than 7% yearly rent & fee increases
    • Exemptions for housing owned by non-profits or housing authorities.
  • 90 days notice for any rent increases.
  • Vacancy de-control: rents may be increased beyond 7% in-between tenancies.
  • Exemptions on buildings that are 12 years old or less.
  • No more than 5% difference allowed for terms of a month-to-month vs term lease

  Manufactured Housing Provisions:

  • No rent increases in first year of tenancy.
  • Following first year, no more than 5% yearly rent & fee increases.
    • Allows for a one time increase up to 10% only if/when tenant sells the mobile home.
    • Must notify buyer of this one time 10% increase.
  • Cap on total move in fees (includes security deposit)
    • 1 month’s rent OR 2 months’ rent only if a pet will be living on the premises.
  • Cap on late fees (5-day grace period for each month)
    • 2% late fee may be charged for the first late month
    • 3% late fee may be charged if the tenant is late for a second consecutive month.
    • 5% late fee may be charged if the tenant is late for a third consecutive month.

  Tenant Recourse if Landlord Violates Rent Cap:

  • If a housing provider increases rent by an amount higher than allowed in this bill, the tenant must provide the opportunity to cure by providing a written demand to lower the rent.
  • Residential only: Tenant may terminate the lease with 20 days notice.

  Tenant or Attorney General may bring action to enforce compliance.

  • If housing provider is found in violation damaged could include:
    • Damaged of excess rent, fees and costs paid.
    • Up to three months rent.
    • Reasonable attorney fees.
    • May not report tenants' failure to pay unlawfully increased rent.

  Exemptions

  • Public housing authority, public development authority, nonprofit organization
  • Residential only: Owner occupied SFH, up to a fourplex.
  • Residential only: Real estate investment trusts, corporations or LLCs where a member is a corporation are not permitted to receive any exemptions.