ALABAMA LEGISLATURE MAY EXTEND LANDLORD PROTECTIONS

by Kira Fonteneau on February 16, 2009

The 2009 Legislative Session is in full swing in Montgomery. As with any session there are a number of bills under consideration. However there is one bill of note for landlords across the state. As you may remember, last fall Jefferson County voters passed a local law that would stop the Water Works Board from placing liens on a landlord’s property for bills left unpaid by the tenant. This year, new legislation would prevent any provider of goods and services from requiring landlords to pay for the tenant’s delinquent bills. The bill appears to be aimed at utility companies. Check back here later in the session to find out if the measure passes.

Under existing law, the provider of certain goods and services may require a landlord to pay the delinquent bill of a tenant for goods and services provided to the tenant of the landlord. This bill would prohibit the provider of goods and services from requiring a landlord or property owner to pay the delinquent bill of a tenant for goods or services provided to the tenant if the account for the service is in the name of the tenant.

A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACTRelating to certain goods and services provided a tenant; to prohibit the provider of goods or services from requiring a landlord or property owner to pay the delinquent bill of a tenant for goods or services provided to the tenant if the account for the service is in the name of the tenant.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:

Section 1. The provider of goods or services may not require a landlord or property owner to pay the delinquent bill of a tenant for goods or services provided to the tenant of the landlord if the account for the goods or services is in the name of the tenant. In addition, the provider of goods or services shall not have a lien on the property for any goods or services provided in the name of the tenant.

Section 2. This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.

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