SB 1185 Summary

• Adds definitions for "accrued rent," "damages," "inventory checklist," "notice of claims," "ordinary mail," and "utility bills" to the landlord-tenant act.

• Requires landlords to notify tenants within 14 days of occupancy of the landlord's contact information and the financial institution holding the security deposit; tenants must provide a forwarding address within 4 days of move-out or the landlord is relieved of sending an itemized damage list.

• Specifies that security deposits can only be used for damages, utility bills, accrued rent, rent from premature termination, and other claims as defined in the act.

• Changes the notice procedure for damage claims: landlords must send a "notice of claims" within 30 days of move-out listing itemized damages with estimated repair costs, a statement of total claims, and a check for any surplus; tenants have 7 days to dispute claims by first-class mail.

• Allows landlords to retain security deposits only if the tenant fails to provide a forwarding address, fails to respond to the notice of claims, parties agree in writing, claims are for rent/utility bills only, or the landlord obtains a court judgment within 45 days; landlords who fail to comply forfeit all claimed damages and owe the tenant double the retained deposit.