Compliance Update: Legislative Update

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As we reach the midpoint of the 2025 legislative session, a new wave of proposed laws is emerging that could significantly impact the multifamily housing industry. With continued emphasis on affordability and tenant protections, lawmakers are advancing measures that affect both property owners and residents. These include updates to eviction procedures, requirements for greater fee transparency, and changes to tenant screening practices. Collectively, these developments highlight an ongoing legislative effort to address the nation's housing challenges.

Below, we provide a summary of a few of these changes that could impact the processes and operations of our customers. We also looked at the implications of Michigan Public Act 179, enacted in December, which introduces new protections based on a tenant's lawful source of income. Understanding these changes are essential for staying compliant, adapting business practices, and continuing to provide quality service in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

Utah HB 480 - Landlord Communications Amendment

The Utah legislature has been active in 2025. This was made clear with the passing of HB 480, which takes aim at security deposit requirements, renter vacating requirements, and restitution for property owners. HB 480 was signed into law March 25, 2025 and will take effect May 7, 2025.
Changes provided by HB 480 include allowing an owner to return a depository, prepaid rent, and a notice of itemized deductions through electronic means. This change clarifies the previous version which only allowed mail or delivery methods.
HB 480 further amends and updates the current form a renter may use to request the return of a renter’s security depository, prepaid rent, and itemized deductions. Notably, landlords now have five business days (rather than calendar days) to refund the resident upon notice. The updated form can be found here.

Lastly, HB 480 now provides exceptions to the time limit (three calendar days) by which a renter shall vacate an owner’s property after an order of restitution has been granted (where before, it was within the court’s discretion). These exceptions are: (i) a constable or sheriff immediately returns possession of the property to the owner pursuant to  Subsection 78B-6-810(3)(d) (which provides for immediate repossession if the renter has committed a felony or other criminal acts); (ii) the resident and owner agree otherwise; and (iii) if the court issues an order in accordance with Subsection 78B-6-810(4), which provides for immediate repossession if the renter does not appear in any eviction action. 

We encourage customers with properties in Utah to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the new law.

Utah SB 70 - Consumer Reporting Amendments

Utah’s recently passed SB 70 restricts the type of criminal reporting a consumer report agency may disclose. The bill was passed and signed into law March 26, 2025 and will take effect May 7, 2025.

SB 70 prohibits consumer reporting agencies from reporting certain non-conviction records, including: (i) an arrest not resulting in a conviction; (ii) a criminal charge not resulting in a conviction; (iii) an expunged conviction; or (iv) a pardoned conviction. However, the law does exempt: pending criminal charges and arrests that have not closed. 

For those customers using Entrata’s resident screening product, ResidentVerify, their criminal screenings are already compliant with this law. We encourage customers using other screening services to review their settings to ensure compliance with SB 70.

Virginia SB 1043 - Residential Landlord & Tenant Act Amendments

Senate Bill 1043 amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to require notice of nonrenewal, in addition to notice of any renewal. Existing law requires a landlord to provide notice to a tenant who has the option to renew, or automatic renewal, of any increase in rent with at least 60 days’ notice. SB 1043 now requires landlords to provide notice of nonrenewal with at least 60 days’ notice. Entrata Customers with properties in Virginia should review their nonrenewal notice practices to ensure compliance.  

Michigan SB 206 - Source of Income Discrimination

​Michigan Senate Bill 206, enacted as Public Act 179 passed in December 2024 amends Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to prohibit housing discrimination based on a tenant's lawful source of income. Effective April 2, 2025, landlords owning five or more rental units in Michigan are barred from denying or terminating tenancy, refusing to rent, or otherwise discriminating against current or prospective tenants due to their income sources, such as housing assistance or veterans' benefits. Violations of the law may result in civil actions for damages or injunctive relief, and complaints can be filed with the Department of Civil Rights.

California AB 1248 - Fees Permitted to be Charged (Proposed)

Finally, a recent California bill has been introduced that, if passed, will greatly impact resident utility billing programs. The current version of Assembly Bill 1248  prohibits the use of Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS)  beginning on January 2, 2026. Instead, only charges based on individually metered or submetered usage would be permitted. While this allows for the installation of water submeters, it's important to note that all submeters must be approved by the Department of Weights and Measures—a process that has been regarded as inconsistent, slow, and difficult across various jurisdictions in the state. Many operators already face delays and frustrations with this process, and no attempts at regulatory reforms have yet been successful in addressing these concerns.

Another significant impact of AB 1248 is that certain charges which are commonly passed back to residents today—such as trash, pest control, hot water, and even services like valet trash and common area electric or gas—would instead need to be included in the rent. This marks a substantial shift from current practices and would affect how budgets are set and revenues are structured. Perhaps most importantly, non-compliance with the provisions of AB 1248 could result in steep penalties.
Entrata recommends that clients with California RUBS properties review AB 1248 and assess potential impacts. We encourage clients that will be impacted to reach out to legislators, apartment associations and other interested parties to share concerns, as early advocacy can help highlight the operational and financial challenges this bill may create. 

Entrata is Here to Help

Entrata continues to actively monitor emerging multi-family legislation across the country at the federal, state, and local levels. Our team is here to support our customers in navigating the changing regulatory landscape. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how any of the recently passed or pending legislation may impact your operations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Entrata representative.

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