HI HB931

Prohibits landlords from recovering possession of dwelling units or involuntarily removing tenants when the landlord's failure to maintain habitability has significantly impaired the premises.

Limits tenant rent liability to the fair rental value of the premises (rather than agreed-upon rent) from the date habitability becomes significantly impaired.

Allows landlords to recover possession rights only upon termination of the rental agreement or restoration of the premises to habitable condition, whichever occurs first, provided tenants continue paying rent equal to fair rental value or agreed rent, whichever is less.

Establishes a minimum remedy of two months' rent plus attorney's fees and court costs for tenants unlawfully evicted in violation of retaliation protections under section 521-74.

Effective date: July 1, 2019.