The Senate passed a bill on Tuesday afternoon that would give tenant rights to those in recovery that are residing in sober living homes.
Senate Bill 590 would add a clarification to current tenant laws specifically stating that people residing in sober living homes are tenants who will be afforded the same tenancy protections as other citizens. It also stipulates reasonable attorney’s fees in disputes against willful or bad faith landlord noncompliance.
As defined in the legislation, a sober living home is an alcohol and controlled substance-free environment for people attempting to maintain abstinence from from alcohol and controlled substances.
Under current law, these citizens can be evicted from sober living homes with no notice, no reason given and often, without a deposit refund. This abuse has led to an increase in homelessness and crime, issues that the bill seeks to address.
If the bill becomes law, these rights work for landlords too. Under the legislation, if an individual is breaking house rules, house leaders could file paperwork at the local courthouse and the court could evict someone in five days if evidence supports the landlord.
The bill now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
The Senate is in recess until 4 p.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Health at 1 p.m. in 451M.
Education at 2 p.m. in 451M.
Government Organization at 2 p.m. in 208W.
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W.
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M.
