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HOUSE BILL No. 1081

Citations Affected: IC 32-31.

Synopsis: Foreclosure of rental properties. Requires the owner of real property containing a rental unit to notify the tenants if a judgment of foreclosure is entered concerning the property, and permits a tenant to terminate a rental agreement if a judgment of foreclosure is entered against the owner. Authorizes a tenant to bring a civil action if the owner does not comply with the notice provisions, and provides that a tenant who terminates a rental agreement early in compliance with the statute does not forfeit the damage deposit. Makes other changes and conforming amendments.

Effective: July 1, 2009.

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    January 7, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary.

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PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type, additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or this style type reconciles conflicts between statutes enacted by the 2008 Regular Session of the General Assembly.

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    A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning property.

SOURCE: IC 32-31-3-13; (09)IN1081.1.1. -->     SECTION 1. IC 32-31-3-13 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2009]: Sec. 13. A security deposit may be used only for the following purposes:
        (1) To reimburse the landlord for actual damages to the rental unit or any ancillary facility that are not the result of ordinary wear and tear.
        (2) To pay the landlord for:
            (A) all rent in arrearage under the rental agreement; and
            (B) rent due for premature termination of the rental agreement by the tenant. However, this clause does not apply to a rental agreement terminated in accordance with IC 32-31-8-7.
        (3) To pay for the last payment period of a residential rental agreement if a written agreement between the landlord and the tenant stipulates that the security deposit will serve as the last payment of rent due. However, if a rental agreement is terminated in accordance with IC 32-31-8-7, this subdivision

applies only to the prorated rent due, if any.
        (4) To reimburse the landlord for utility or sewer charges paid by the landlord that are:
            (A) the obligation of the tenant under the rental agreement; and
            (B) unpaid by the tenant.

SOURCE: IC 32-31-8-1; (09)IN1081.1.2. -->     SECTION 2. IC 32-31-8-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.62-2008, SECTION 4, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2009]: Sec. 1. (a) Except as provided in section 7 of this chapter or in subsection (b), this chapter applies only to dwelling units that are let for rent under a rental agreement entered into after June 30, 2002.
    (b) This chapter does not apply to dwelling units that are let for rent with an option to purchase under an agreement entered into before July 1, 2008.

SOURCE: IC 32-31-8-7; (09)IN1081.1.3. -->     SECTION 3. IC 32-31-8-7 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2009]: Sec. 7. (a) This section applies to rental agreements entered into or renewed after June 30, 2009.
    (b) This section applies to real property containing one (1) or more rental units that is the subject of a judgment of foreclosure under IC 32-30-10-5.
    (c) Not later than ten (10) days after the judgment of foreclosure on real property described in subsection (b) is entered, the owner of the real property shall provide each tenant with written notice of:
        (1) the judgment of foreclosure;
        (2) the tenant's rights under this section; and
        (3) the address and telephone number of the landlord for use in all communications between the owner and the tenant;
by registered or certified mail.
    (d) A tenant of real property described in subsection (b) has the right to terminate the tenant's rental agreement upon written notice delivered to the landlord identified by the owner in the notice required under subsection (c). Termination of a rental agreement under this subsection is effective on a date established by the tenant, but not earlier than:
        (1) ten (10) days after the tenant receives the written notice described in subsection (c); or
        (2) twenty (20) days after the date the judgment of foreclosure is entered, if the tenant does not timely receive the written notice described in subsection (c).

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    (e) A tenant who terminates a rental agreement under this section is liable for all rent and other charges due under the rental agreement to the effective date of termination, in an amount that is prorated to the effective date of termination. Rent due under this subsection is payable at the time it would have been payable under the terms of the rental agreement being terminated.
    (f) Except for the rent and other charges payable as described in subsection (e), a tenant who terminates a rental agreement under this section is not liable for any other rent or charges solely because of the early termination of the rental agreement.
    (g) A tenant may bring an action in any court having jurisdiction to enforce an obligation of an owner or a landlord under this section, or to obtain a remedy for the owner's noncompliance. If the tenant prevails in an action brought under this section, the tenant may recover:
        (1) actual and consequential damages;
        (2) reasonable attorney's fees and court costs; and
        (3) reasonable relocation expenses.
    (h) A waiver of this chapter by an owner or a landlord or current or former tenant, by contract or otherwise, is void.