2025 Landlord-Tenant Law Changes: What Property Managers Need to Know

## 2025 Landlord-Tenant Law Changes: Complete Guide for Property Managers As we move into 2025, several states have enacted significant changes to landlord-tenant laws that will impact how property managers operate. This comprehensive guide covers the most important updates you need to know to stay compliant and protect your rental business. ### Michigan: Source-of-Income Discrimination Ban (SB 207) **Effective: Late 2024/2025** Michigan has joined the growing list of states banning source-of-income discrimination. Under SB 207, landlords can no longer reject applicants solely because they receive Section 8 housing choice vouchers or other forms of rental assistance. **What Property Managers Need to Do:** - Remove any screening criteria that automatically disqualifies voucher holders - Update application forms to remove questions about income source - Train staff on the new non-discrimination requirements - Review marketing materials for compliance **Additional Michigan Updates:** - Security deposit return deadline reduced from 45 to 30 days - Enhanced Truth in Renting Act notice requirements --- ### Georgia: Safe at Home Act (HB 404) **Effective: July 1, 2024 (continuing into 2025)** Georgia's landmark Safe at Home Act represents the most significant tenant protection reform in the state's history. Previously one of the most landlord-friendly states, Georgia now requires: **New Requirements:** - **Habitability Standards:** Landlords must provide safe and habitable housing with functioning utilities - **Security Deposit Cap:** Maximum of 2 months' rent (previously unlimited) - **3-Day Notice Required:** Landlords must give 3-day notice before filing eviction (previously could file immediately) **Impact on Property Managers:** - Budget for more maintenance and repairs - Update security deposit collection practices - Revise eviction procedures to include proper notice periods --- ### New York: Good Cause Eviction Law **Effective: April 2024 (ongoing)** New York's Good Cause Eviction Law prevents landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason and caps rent increases at 5% plus CPI (or 10%, whichever is lower). **Key Provisions:** - Tenants cannot be evicted without valid legal cause - Rent increases above the threshold are presumed unreasonable - Law expires in 2034 unless renewed - Exemptions apply to buildings less than 10 years old and owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units **NYC vs. Upstate:** - NYC: Automatically in effect - Other municipalities: Must opt-in --- ### Oregon: Enhanced Rent Control **2025 Maximum Increase:** 7% + CPI Oregon continues to strengthen its rent control framework: **Notice Requirements:** - 90-day notice for increases up to 10% - 180-day notice for increases above 10% **Eviction Protections:** - 10-day notice required (extended from 72 hours in 2023) - No-cause evictions banned after first year of tenancy - 15-year exemption for new construction (may be reduced to 7 years in 2025) --- ### Oklahoma: Proposed Landlord and Tenant Act (HB 2498/2582) **Pending: Effective November 1, 2025 (if approved)** Oklahoma is considering comprehensive landlord-tenant reform that would: - Create unified framework for lease terms, security deposits, and evictions - Establish clearer procedures for both landlords and tenants - Maintain the 24-hour notice requirement for landlord entry --- ### Ohio: Security Deposit Interest Reminder While not new for 2025, Ohio's unique security deposit interest requirement remains important: **Key Rule (ORC 5321.16):** - Deposits over $50 or one month's rent must earn 5% annual interest - Applies when tenant stays 6+ months - Interest must be paid annually and at lease termination - Failure to comply: Tenant can recover double the wrongfully withheld amount --- ### Pennsylvania: Philadelphia-Specific Updates **Eviction Diversion Program:** Now permanent in Philadelphia, requiring mediation before filing eviction **Act 88 of 2024:** New procedures for removing squatters (different from tenant evictions) --- ## Compliance Checklist for 2025 ### Immediate Actions: 1. **Review your lease templates** for compliance with new state laws 2. **Update screening criteria** to remove income source discrimination where applicable 3. **Revise security deposit procedures** to meet new limits and return deadlines 4. **Train property management staff** on new notice requirements ### Ongoing Compliance: 1. **Track rent increase caps** in states with rent control 2. **Maintain proper documentation** for all habitability issues 3. **Follow correct eviction procedures** including new notice periods 4. **Stay informed** about local ordinance changes --- ## State-by-State Quick Reference | State | Key 2025 Change | Impact Level | |-------|----------------|--------------| | Michigan | Source-of-income protection, 30-day deposit return | High | | Georgia | Habitability standards, 2-month deposit cap | Very High | | New York | Good cause eviction, rent increase caps | High | | Oregon | 7%+CPI rent cap, extended notice periods | Medium | | Oklahoma | Comprehensive reform pending | TBD | | Ohio | 5% deposit interest (existing) | Low | | Pennsylvania | Philadelphia eviction diversion permanent | Medium | --- ## Resources for Property Managers - [LeaseCraft State Lease Finder](/state-leases) - Find state-specific lease templates - [Michigan Residential Lease](/michigan-residential-lease-agreement) - Updated for 2025 - [Georgia Residential Lease](/georgia-residential-lease-agreement) - Compliant with HB 404 - [Ohio Residential Lease](/ohio-residential-lease-agreement) - Includes interest provisions --- ## Conclusion The landlord-tenant landscape continues to evolve, with 2025 bringing significant changes in tenant protections across multiple states. Property managers who stay ahead of these changes will avoid legal issues and maintain positive relationships with tenants. The trend toward stronger tenant protections shows no signs of slowing. States like Georgia, which were historically very landlord-friendly, are now implementing substantial reforms. Property managers should anticipate similar changes in other states and prepare accordingly. **Need help staying compliant?** LeaseCraft offers state-specific lease templates that are regularly updated to reflect the latest legal requirements. [Create your compliant lease agreement today](/state-leases). --- *Last updated: November 2025* *This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal questions about your rental properties.*