AN ACT PROHIBITING THE EVICTION OF A RESIDENTIAL TENANT FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT IF THE LANDLORD'S ONLINE RENTAL PAYMENT SYSTEM PREVENTS SUCH PAYMENT OF RENT.

SB 1302 prohibits landlords from initiating eviction proceedings against residential tenants for nonpayment of rent if the tenant was unable to pay due to a malfunction in the landlord's online rental payment system during the existing grace period. This directly affects tenants who face payment barriers through their landlord's digital platform, preventing evictions based on technical issues beyond their control. The bill amends existing eviction law to explicitly exclude system failures from the "nonpayment of rent" grounds for eviction during the standard 9-day grace period (or 4 days for weekly tenancies). It takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to all residential rental properties covered under current landlord-tenant statutes.