Senate Bill 2657 Summary

• Changes tenant removal procedures to mandatory ("shall") rather than discretionary ("may") when a tenant holds over without permission or defaults on rent payment.

• Allows landlords to provide notice of rent default via written notice to the premises plus email or text message, and reduces the notice period for general rental agreement breaches from 30 days to 14 days.

• Expands the definition of "rent" to include late fees accrued under the rental agreement, and requires tenants to pay all rent and late fees before a removal warrant is stayed, eliminating the option to provide alternative security.

• Prohibits adjournments in eviction hearings for nonpayment of rent from extending beyond 30 days total from the date the nonpayment occurred, and requires justice courts to put landlords in possession of premises within 48 hours if rent remains unpaid after a second view by constable.

• Allows landlords to file for eviction on the first day nonpayment occurs and exempts landlords from liability for unpaid utility bills left by defaulting tenants.