Understanding SB-1190: Tenant Rights to Break Leases

 SB 1190 is a Bill that was produced and passed to allow Tenants that are victims of a crime the right to walk away from the lease agreement at no additional penalty. 

Existing law authorizes a tenant to notify the landlord that the tenant or a household member, was a victim of an act of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, or abuse of an elder or a dependent adult, and that the tenant intends to terminate the tenancy. 

If you know someone who might be in a situation that this could help, we ask to share this message and to let others know that they are not alone and there is help for victims who need it.

Now the existing law requires that the tenant attached to the notice to terminate a tenancy needs a copy of  a few items before terminating the lease. 

They will need proof of a temporary restraining order or protective order, a report by a peace officer stating that the tenant or household member has filed a report, or documentation from a qualified third party indicating that the tenant or household member is seeking assistance for physical or mental injuries or abuse. This bill expands these provisions to authorize a tenant to notify the landlord that the tenant, or an immediate family member, was a victim of a crime that caused physical injury, emotional injury and the threat of physical injury, or death. The bill would additionally authorize a tenant to attach to the notice to terminate a tenancy any other form of documentation that reasonably verifies that the qualifying crime or act occurred. The bill would prohibit an owner or an owner’s agent from refusing to rent a dwelling unit to an otherwise qualified tenant solely on the basis that the tenant has previously exercised the tenant’s rights under these provisions.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone at TrueDoor Property Management about SB-1190 then please give us a call and ask for Sam.