As of January 1, 2025, several new landlord-tenant laws have come into effect. Here’s some of the changes that could impact your rental property or tenancy.
Credit Reporting
Landlords must now offer tenants the option to report positive rental payment history to at least one nationwide credit reporting agency to help tenants build their credit. Note that private landlords may have exceptions under the Tenant Protection Act.
Junk Fees
To protect tenants from hidden costs, there are no more “junk fees.” These are fees unrelated to rent, such as charges for personal checks or unnecessary service fees.
Protection for Domestic Violence
The new law allows tenants to request immediate lock changes if they are a victim of abuse within 24-hours of the landlord receiving the request.
Eviction process
This law extends the requirement for a tenant to file an answer to an unlawful detainer complaint from five days to 10 days. It also shortens the time for a hearing on specific motions that have typically been used by tenant attorneys to delay an eviction for up to 35 additional days.
Before and After Photos
Landlords are required to take photos of the rental unit both before a tenant moves in and after they move out. This requirement ensures that any damage to the property is properly documented and helps prevent disputes over the security deposit.
As we’ve seen, the new landlord-tenant laws of 2025 bring important changes that can impact both tenants and landlords. Whether it’s offering tenants a chance to build credit, eliminating hidden fees, or updating eviction processes, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt. By understanding these updates, landlords can ensure compliance and tenants can better protect their rights.
Ready to make your next move in the real estate market? Whether you’re buying or selling. I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Contact me today to stay ahead of these changes and make the most of it!
