Kelly Bokhan

I support this bill because the current eviction process for nonpayment of rent or material lease violations is already lengthy and complex, and recent statutory changes have made it unreasonably prolonged, even in clear-cut cases where rent is not being paid or the lease has been materially breached. Under current law, eviction for nonpayment follows an extended timeline that can reach 95 days or more, even before accounting for additional delays. For subsidized tenants, landlords are now required to provide a mandatory 30-day cure period, despite the fact that a significant portion of the rent—often 70% or more—is already being paid through public subsidy. This requirement was imposed post-COVID and has added substantial delay without improving outcomes. After the cure period expires, the process involves multiple sequential deadlines: service by the sheriff, tenant response periods, court scheduling, judicial decision timelines, appeal windows, issuance of the writ of possession, sheriff scheduling for lockout, and an additional post-lockout period for removal of belongings. When legal aid requests discovery or when reasonable accommodation requests are made, an additional 30–60 days can be added for each, extending the process well beyond three months. This bill does not eliminate due process. Tenants still receive notice, the opportunity to respond, and a hearing. What it does is restore balance by allowing courts to move more efficiently in cases involving nonpayment or material lease violations, where the facts are often straightforward and uncontested. By shortening response deadlines, requiring expedited hearings, and limiting unnecessary delays, this bill helps: prevent prolonged financial loss to housing providers, reduce court backlogs, protect the sustainability of rental housing—especially affordable and subsidized housing, and ensure that housing resources are not tied up for months when rent is not being paid. An expedited process in these limited circumstances is reasonable, necessary, and long overdue. Eviction timeline: Late notices on the 7th Demand for Rent on 10th Must give 30 day cure period for any subsidized tenant per the new law since COVID (God only knows why this was forced upon landlords of subsidized tenants now when 70% of their rent is being paid for). After 30 days have expired, file with the court. Once filed with the court, the sheriff has up to 7 days to serve the tenant Once a tenant is served, they have 7 days to file an appearance with the court. Once they file an appearance with court, a hearing will be scheduled within 10 days. After court, the Judge has 10 days to issue an order. Once the order is issued, the tenant has 7 days to appeal. Once 7 days have expired, landlord may pick up the writ. Writ will then be given to the sheriff. The sheriff has 7 days to schedule to lock out but can be longer depending on schedules. Once lockout is conducted, the tenant has another 7 days to remove items from the unit. Total time period. Up to 95 days to remove tenant. If legal aide is involved and requests discovery, that will add 30-60 days. If any reasonable accommodations are requested another 30-60 days on top of that. It's ridiculous.