SB20-108: New Requirements for Landlords and Property Managers — Postpone Indefinitely

**House Committee on Business Affairs & Labor Postpone Indefinitely**

Managing relationships with tenants is a crucial part of any landlord or property manager’s day-to-day. It’s important to safeguard your investment, of course, but equally as important to ensure your tenants feel safe, appreciated, and protected. One way landlords and property managers can keep their investment and tenants safe, is to stay informed with the latest real estate advisories as they come out. That’s why we’re here, to give you updates as they come along.

Starting on January 1, 2021, there are new requirements for landlord and property managers to follow. A new bill will come into effect that created the “Immigration Tenant Protection Act”, which prohibits landlords from certain practices based on the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant. 

This means that landlords and property managers are not allowed to:

• Demand, request, or collect information regarding or relating to the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant; except in the case where the landlord is also the tenant’s employer where they are required to collect information to complete an employment form required by law;
• Disclose or threaten to disclose information regarding or relating to that status of a tenant to any person, entity, or immigration or law enforcement agency;
• Harass or intimidate a tenant or retaliate against a tenant for exercising the tenant’s rights under the Act or opposing any conduct prohibited by the Act;
• Interfere with a tenant’s rights under the Act including attempting to or actually influencing a tenant to surrender possession of a dwelling unit or to not seek to occupy a dwelling unit, based solely or in part on that status;
• Refuse to enter into a rental agreement or to approve a subtenancy, or to otherwise preclude a tenant from occupying a dwelling unit, based solely or in part on that status of the tenant; or
• Bring an action to recover possession of a dwelling unit based solely or in part on that status of a tenant.

Of course, this act also provides guidance on authorized conduct on the part of the landlord or property manager, but it’s important to be aware of this bill’s requirements and to seek legal counsel, to ensure you don’t violate any of its provisions accidentally. Doing so could result in civil penalties, compensatory damages, and attorney fees—and nobody wants to go down that route!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re well aware of all the challenges property managers and landlords face on a daily basis. Sometimes, they can start adding up and it can feel overwhelming. We get it, and that’s exactly why we’re here. Whether you’re looking for a realtor to sell your property, or someone to manage your investment, we can help. Reach out to us with any questions, and set up a time for a free consultation with us!