Rent nonpayment cases would follow firm court deadlines

The bill would set deadlines for serving case papers, filing an appearance, and holding a hearing. The deadlines apply to the tenant and landlord in that rent nonpayment case. These deadlines apply when a landlord starts an eviction or ejectment case after the tenant misses the rent payment deadline in the notice. The papers must be served within five business days after the landlord starts the case. The tenant must file an appearance within five business days after receiving them. The court must hold the hearing within ten business days after the tenant files an appearance, or, if the tenant does not file one, within ten business days after the appearance deadline.

The bill would set a deadline for serving a judgment for the landlord and provide for possession to return after service. The rule applies to the tenant and landlord in the rent nonpayment eviction or ejectment case. This applies only if the court enters judgment for the landlord. The judgment must be served within five business days after it is entered. Possession returns immediately after the judgment is served.