Senate Bill 2196 Summary

• Adds criminal penalties for landlords who fail to cure violations of building codes and housing maintenance requirements within 30 days: $100/day for first violation, $200/day for second, $300/day for third during any 30-day period.

• Establishes $250/day misdemeanor penalties specifically for failure to provide legally required heat and hot water, with hot water minimum of 120 degrees between 6 a.m. and midnight.

• Imposes $1,000 penalty plus $25/day for installing devices that prevent heating and hot water systems from meeting minimum requirements.

• Requires landlords, managers, and owners to submit to annual property inspections by designated officials.

• Allows tenants to pursue civil or criminal contempt proceedings against landlords for uncured violations, with potential fines and imprisonment; creates misdemeanor penalties up to $1,000 fine or one year imprisonment for willfully violating provisions or making false statements.