Relates to rent impairing violations and eviction proceedings

This bill strengthens tenant protections in multi-unit buildings by allowing renters to withhold rent if housing violations (like unsafe conditions) aren't fixed within 3 months of the department's notice. Tenants must formally raise this defense in court and deposit the withheld rent with the clerk, rather than paying it directly to landlords. It applies only when the department has documented a violation and the owner failed to correct it, excluding cases where the tenant caused the issue or paid rent voluntarily. Landlords cannot evict tenants for nonpayment if the violation defense is validly raised. The law aims to ensure habitable housing by linking rent collection directly to building safety compliance.