Removing Mandate for Rental Inspections – Prior to the passing of this bill, larger cities within the state were required by state law to operate a rental inspection program.  Rental inspections are now voluntary.*

Tenant’s Right to Refuse Rental Inspections – Many tenants were being threatened with fines or, worse yet, with eviction by a municipality if they wouldn’t allow a municipal inspector into their home.  The law now makes it clear that municipalities may not enter a rental unit without the permission of the tenant unless there is an emergency or an administrative warrant is obtained for just cause.*

24 Drug Evictions – Prior to the passing of this bill, landlords were limited to a 7-day eviction notice for drug related activities—even though many municipalities threatened condemnation of a rental property if the offending tenants were not evicted.  The change in law now allows for a 24-hour notice period for drug activity.*

Increased Limit for Recovering Attorney’s Fees – At regular intervals, the RPOA-M request an increase of “taxable cost” allowed or those cost that a landlord can recover for attorney’s fees from an eviction hearing or trial.*

Small Claims Limit Increase – Prior to the passing of this bill, small claims cases were limited by a fixed dollar amount and had to be increased through law every few years.  A substantial increase was made several years ago that also created an automatic adjustment upwards for the small claims limit without further legislation.

Garnishment of Welfare Payments – A change was enacted to allow up to 10% of welfare income to be garnished for money judgments, including those for past due rent and damages.*

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* Indicates bills proactively pursued by the association.