Ex. Summary:

Senate Bill 21-173 strengthens tenant protections by reforming eviction procedures, capping late fees, and restricting unfair lease terms to guarantee fair treatment in rental agreements. The legislation lengthens eviction notice periods, prevents default judgments before the scheduled appearance date, and mandates that landlords accept full rent payments before completing an eviction. Late fees are limited to $50 or 5% of overdue rent, and landlords are prohibited from classifying them as rent to initiate evictions. The bill also bans excessive penalties in leases, ensures that attorney fee clauses are reciprocal, and allows tenants to assert habitability defenses in eviction cases. While it increases compliance requirements for landlords, the law fosters housing stability, prevents exploitative rental practices, and promotes more equitable landlord-tenant relationships.