Landlords could not deny housing because of victim status

Landlords could not end, refuse to renew, or deny a rental agreement because of a person's protected victim status. The protection covers tenants and applicants when they or a household member are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The tenant must provide one of the listed records or certifications, which include restraining orders, police or medical records, and certifications from specified advocates or social workers. Landlords may still make adverse housing decisions based on other lawful factors they know about. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.

A tenant's victim status could not be used as a legal reason to remove them from a home. This applies to residential tenants, including people living in houses, buildings, mobile homes, and mobile home parks. The existing removal laws may still allow removal on other listed grounds. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.

A tenant or applicant could sue for damages over a landlord's unlawful refusal to rent. The remedy applies to tenants and applicants whose rental agreement was unlawfully refused. Damages must be sustained by the tenant or applicant. The winning party may also recover court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The bill would take effect immediately if enacted.