Governor signs landlord-tenant protections for rent-to-own scenarios

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – On Thursday, March 13, 2008, Indiana governor Mitch Daniels signed a bill that will expand Indiana’s existing landlord-tenant laws to cover residential rent-to-own agreements. State Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson), sponsor of House Enrolled Act 1061, said the extension of consumer protection provisions was necessary to ensure safe and affordable housing options for Hoosier families.

The provisions will apply to rent-to-own agreements entered into after July 1 of this year, when the new law takes effect.

“Our goal is to protect any family living in a rental home, regardless of whether they have made an agreement to purchase the home at some time in the future,” Lanane said. “If there is still a landlord on the property, then the landlord-tenant laws should apply. This protects both the resident and the landlord from potential problems.”

Committee testimony indicated that families can be at risk in rent-to-own agreements when the property owner fails to maintain the safety and health standards in the home during the rental period.

The General Assembly reformed Indiana’s landlord-tenant laws in 2002, providing increased regulations on rental housing conditions and utility provision standards.

According to current law, a landlord is required to maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, and heating and cooling systems in good and safe working condition for the rental property. Among other provisions, landlords are also required to make reasonable efforts to keep common areas clean and in proper condition.

Tenants are required under the law to keep the rental property reasonably clean and to refrain from defacing, damaging, destroying, or removing any part of the rental premises, among other provisions.

For more information on Sen. Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

Source: Senate Democrats Press Release

Technorati Tags: News State Government House Enrolled Act 1061 Indiana Politics Indiana Senate Indianapolis Marion County Mitch Daniels Tim Lanane

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