HB19-1170 Summary

• Expands the definition of uninhabitable residential premises to include mold associated with dampness and requires landlords to mitigate immediate risk within 96 hours of notice, then complete full remediation within a reasonable timeframe.

• Requires landlords to respond to habitability complaints within 24 hours for hazardous conditions or 96 hours for other conditions, with specific timeframes for commencing remedial action.

• Allows tenants to deduct repair costs from rent payments after providing 10 days' notice and obtaining professional estimates, with landlords having 4 business days to obtain competing bids before tenant proceeds with repairs.

• Permits tenants to terminate rental agreements if the same habitability condition recurs within 6 months after repair, and prohibits landlord retaliation with penalties of up to three months' rent or three times actual damages plus attorney fees.

• Clarifies that county courts have jurisdiction over injunctive relief for habitability breaches and establishes notice requirements for landlord identity changes in written rental agreements.