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House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 14, 2019 05:43 PM
From:	Representative James R. Roebuck, Jr.
To:	All House members
Subject:	Prohibiting the Circumvention of Eviction Proceedings

I will be introducing legislation that updates The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. Unscrupulous landlords will prey on unwitting tenants and lock tenants into leases that force the tenant to waive their rights. Often leases or rental agreements will require tenants to waive their rights to a written notice prior to the start of eviction proceedings. In some cases, these clauses will circumvent the entire eviction process established by law. After signing these agreements, tenants may find themselves locked out of their homes or find themselves in a costly court battle. We must protect renters and ensure that the documents they sign enable a fair deal. My bill will prohibit these types of clauses in leases and rental agreements. In particular, if a landlord is found using these types of clauses, the tenant would be entitled to a refund of all of the rent and security deposits paid to the landlord under the lease. Therefore, I ask that you join me in co-sponsoring this effort to protect renters and end the practices of having renters sign away their rights.

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