HB 2015 Summary

• Prohibits landlords renting more than 10 dwelling units from retaliating against tenants who report building/housing code violations, file complaints, give notice to repair, organize tenants' organizations, or testify in court proceedings.

• Allows landlords to increase rent or decrease services equally across all tenants and permits rent increases for health department compliance costs, property tax increases, unit improvements, or standard lease renewals without being considered retaliatory.

• Establishes tenant remedies for landlord noncompliance including actual damages, consequential damages, attorney fees, court costs, and injunctive relief, with landlord liability beginning after notice and failure to remedy within 14 days.

• Permits tenants to repair conditions costing up to one month's rent and deduct costs from rent if landlord fails to respond within 14 days, with defined emergency conditions including water/gas/electric loss, temperature extremes, security issues, gas leaks, and plumbing failures.

• Prohibits landlords from bringing possession actions based on nonpayment of rent if tenants are properly exercising repair remedies, and becomes effective November 1, 2025.