HB4911 Summary

• Requires eviction complaints to include specified information about whether the tenancy is residential or commercial, the type of notice given, whether it is a for-cause or not-for-cause eviction, and whether it is foreclosure-related.

• Mandates automatic sealing of residential eviction court files no later than 3 years after filing, except for commercial tenancies and condominium cases where no tenants are named as defendants.

• Requires mandatory sealing of court files for foreclosure-related evictions, not-for-cause evictions, cases where parties agree to seal, and actions not resulting in an eviction order in plaintiff's favor.

• Prohibits consumer reporting agencies from disclosing or using eviction information in consumer reports if there is no final disposition or the court file is sealed, with violations constituting unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

• Establishes liability of $2,000 per violation or twice actual damages (whichever is greater) plus costs and attorney's fees for violating restrictions on disseminating sealed eviction file information.