Housing

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 3158: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

This bill requires landlords to give tenants a receipt whenever rent is paid in cash. The rule applies to all residential rental properties covered by the state's Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlords must provide the receipt at the exact moment they receive the cash payment. This change aims to create a clear record of cash transactions between landlords and tenants. The law will take effect immediately upon being passed.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring landlords to provide receipts for cash rent payments, creating clear transaction records and reducing potential disputes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2898: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- RHODE ISLAND HOUSING RESOURCES ACT OF 1998

Allows the town of North Providence to receive a one-half (1/2) credit for affordable housing units for manufactured homes in age restricted communities in conformance with all zoning laws and/or ordinances of the town.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides housing unit credit for affordable manufactured homes in age-restricted communities, supporting affordable housing development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2972: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL TENANT'S RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION ACT

Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates legal representation division for tenants in eviction proceedings, directly protecting tenant rights and strengthening housing protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Rhode Island · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 8343: HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF SOJOURNER HOUSE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Sojourner House of Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's five decades of service, which has included providing emergency shelter, housing solutions, and trauma-informed support to over 60,000 Rhode Islanders. It authorizes the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the organization's CEO, Vanessa Volz. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the organization's legacy and ongoing work in the state.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill recognizes Sojourner House's housing services for survivors, indirectly supporting housing assistance programs.75% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 2903: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION PROGRAM ACT

Establishes the Residential and Commercial Property Acquisition Program Act to implement residential or commercial property acquisitions, paired with funding for relocation costs within or proximate to the current community.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes property acquisition program with funding for relocation costs within communities, indicating support for housing stability and affordable housing initiatives.75% confidence

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 2895: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

This bill amends Rhode Island zoning laws to allow the town of Smithfield to set its own density bonuses for developments that include affordable housing. The legislation establishes requirements for inclusionary zoning, mandating that at least 15% of units in qualifying developments remain affordable for 30 years, while also permitting municipalities to offer incentives like additional market-rate units or reduced lot sizes to encourage affordable housing. Developers can choose to build affordable units on-site, off-site, through land donations, or by paying a fee, though those opting for fees or off-site construction cannot receive density bonuses. The bill also sets minimum standards for affordable housing fees and outlines how municipalities must manage and allocate these funds for future affordable housing projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates 15% affordable housing units in developments and allows density bonuses to encourage affordable housing construction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2808: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- LEVY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOCAL TAXES -- TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAM

This bill creates a property tax deferral program for senior citizens aged 62 and older, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans in Rhode Island. It allows eligible homeowners to postpone paying property taxes on their single-family dwellings until they sell the property, pass away, or transfer ownership, with the unpaid taxes becoming a lien on the property that accrues 6% annual interest. The program excludes homes with reverse mortgages or less than 20% equity, requires applicants to file claims in good faith, and allocates $2 million annually starting in 2027 to fund the deferred tax payments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides property tax relief for seniors, disabled citizens, and veterans by allowing tax deferral, supporting fiscal assistance for vulnerable populations.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates tax deferral for seniors and disabled homeowners, preventing housing loss due to tax burden and supporting housing stability for vulnerable populations85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill extends property tax deferral benefits specifically to disabled veterans, providing financial relief and protection for veteran homeowners.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2973: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

This bill requires landlords managing six or more residential units to place tenant security deposits in federally insured interest-bearing accounts, with all accrued interest belonging to the tenant. It maintains existing rules that limit security deposits to one month's rent and outlines specific deductions for unpaid rent, cleaning, trash disposal, and damages beyond ordinary wear and tear. Landlords must return the deposit plus any interest within 20 days of lease termination, while tenants of smaller properties remain unaffected by the interest requirement. The legislation also clarifies that furniture security deposits are permitted for furnished apartments with replacement values of $5,000 or more, provided they follow similar return timelines and deduction rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring interest-bearing security deposit accounts and ensuring tenants receive accrued interest, directly benefiting housing stability.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill protects tenant security deposits and requires interest to belong to tenants, strengthening financial protections for workers in residential employment contexts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 2899: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- CONDOMINIUM LAW

This bill amends Virginia's condominium law to improve transparency and accountability for condominium associations. It requires associations to hold annual meetings, allows meetings to be conducted electronically with proper notice, and mandates that meeting minutes be made available to owners within 30 days. The bill also establishes a new requirement for independent financial audits every five years for associations governing more than 20 units, with copies available to all unit owners upon request. Additionally, it creates a condominium ombudsman position to assist owners with disputes and clarifies rules for accessing association records like financial statements and contracts.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens condominium governance through transparency measures, financial audits, and meeting requirements that protect owner rights and ensure accountability in housing associations.85% confidence

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 3019: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $200,000 TO THE HOUSING NETWORK: THE RHODE ISLAND ASSOCIATION OF NONPROFIT HOUSING DEVELOPERS, DBA HOUSING NETWORK OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill proposes to allocate $200,000 from the state treasury to the Housing Network of Rhode Island for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are intended to support the organization's work in strengthening nonprofit housing developers, coordinating homeless service providers, and improving housing outcomes across the state. The resolution authorizes the state controller to make this payment from unappropriated funds upon receipt of proper documentation. This measure directly affects the Housing Network of Rhode Island and aims to address broader housing and homelessness challenges through increased organizational capacity.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $200,000 in state funding to support nonprofit housing developers and homeless services, directly advancing budget appropriations for essential public services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates $200,000 to Housing Network of Rhode Island to strengthen nonprofit housing developers, coordinate homeless services, and improve housing outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Homelessness

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