HB 6096 Summary

• Establishes that persons forcibly ejected from property or unlawfully kept out may recover 3 times actual damages or $200, whichever is greater, plus possession recovery.

• Defines unlawful interference with tenant possession to include force or threats, removal/destruction of property, lock changes without providing keys, boarding that prevents entry, removal of doors/windows/locks, interruption of essential services (heat, water, electric, gas), and introduction of noise or nuisance.

• Permits owner actions without liability if done pursuant to court order, for temporary repairs/inspections, or if a court officer determines tenant abandoned premises with unpaid rent.

• Creates process allowing owners to reenter premises when tenant is believed deceased 18+ days without surviving tenants, requiring: contact attempts to designated person, 10-day notice on door, notification to public administrator, and probate confirmation.

• Limits possession recovery actions to 90 days from cause of action and damages claims to 1 year, and establishes these tenant protections cannot be waived.