Plain English Breakdown
The exact method for calculating a 'calculated share' is referenced but not defined in the provided summary text.
Security Deposit Rules When a Tenant Leaves Due to Violence by Another Tenant
This law requires landlords to return a calculated share of the security deposit if one tenant leaves because another tenant on the same lease committed specific crimes.
What This Bill Does
- Requires landlords to pay a calculated share of the security deposit to a tenant who ends their tenancy due to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, elder abuse, or other specified crimes caused by another tenant living in the unit.
- Applies only when there are multiple tenants on the lease and the leaving tenant states in writing that they are leaving because of the crime committed by a roommate.
- Requires remaining tenants to pay the landlord an amount equal to the share returned to the leaving tenant within 14 days after the landlord makes that payment.
- Makes all remaining tenants jointly responsible for paying this full calculated share if it is not paid.
Who It Names or Affects
- Tenants who are victims of violence or abuse and need to leave a shared rental unit early because another tenant committed the crime
- Landlords managing properties with multiple tenants on one lease where such crimes occur between roommates
- Roommates remaining in the home after another tenant leaves due to safety concerns
Terms To Know
- Jointly and severally liable
- A legal rule where each person is responsible for paying the full amount if others do not pay their share.
- Calculated share
- The specific portion of the security deposit that belongs to one tenant, determined as provided by law when multiple tenants are on a lease.
Limits and Unknowns
- This rule only applies when there is more than one person listed on the same rental agreement.
- The official text does not explain exactly how landlords must calculate each tenant's share, other than stating it will be done as provided.