Senate hearing weighs ban on lease clauses that bar lawsuits, NDAs and force arbitration

The Senate Housing Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5313, a proposal to expand the list of provisions landlords cannot require in residential rental agreements. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Jamie Peterson (43rd District), would forbid landlords from making tenants waive the right to bring or join lawsuits, requiring nondisclosure of lease or rent terms, forcing arbitration unless the landlord pays all arbitration costs, and requiring tenants to accept and pay for nonessential third‑party services without a fee‑free opt‑out.

Bill Fosbury, counsel to the committee, told members the bill builds on the existing Residential Landlord‑Tenant Act by adding the four prohibited areas. He described the additions as: a ban on clauses that require a tenant to waive any right to bring or join a lawsuit; a ban…