HB5284 Summary

• Amends eviction law to make it an affirmative defense if a demand for possession is based on a barred individual entering premises where the tenant or household member did not knowingly consent or a valid court order did not permit entry.

• Adds protection for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or dating violence by allowing them to use these violations as affirmative defenses to eviction actions when the demand is based solely on their victim status or related incidents.

• Requires at least one form of supporting evidence for the affirmative defense, including medical records, court records, police records, or statements from victim service organizations or medical professionals.

• Permits landlords to seek possession against the perpetrator of violence or against an entire household if the victim's continued tenancy poses an actual and imminent threat to other residents or the landlord.

• Removes provisions that explicitly authorized landlords to bar persons from premises and provide written notice of such barring; clarifies that landlords retain rights under existing local, State, federal, or common law regarding non-tenant individuals.