Missoula County opposes HB 402: Generally revise property rental laws, up for hearing tomorrow morning in the House Judiciary Committee.
Sections two and five of the bill take away the judge’s discretion in awarding damages. Under current law, a judge “may” award triple damages for violations of a lease agreement (to either party). Under these modifications, a judge “shall” (meaning must) award triple damages, but only against a tenant. Where landlords breach the lease, triple damages would still be discretionary.
Sent Feb. 17:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives France and Tenenbaum,
Missoula County opposes HB 402: Generally revise property rental laws, up for hearing tomorrow morning in the House Judiciary Committee.
Sections two and five of the bill take away the judge’s discretion in awarding damages. Under current law, a judge “may” award triple damages for violations of a lease agreement (to either party). Under these modifications, a judge “shall” (meaning must) award triple damages, but only against a tenant. Where landlords breach the lease, triple damages would still be discretionary.
Please oppose HB 402.