Housing (Tenant Rights)

died · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HB 8386: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

This bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to require landlords to give tenants a receipt whenever rent is paid in cash. The rule applies directly to residential property owners and tenants who use cash for rent payments. Landlords must provide the receipt at the exact moment they receive the payment, ensuring there is immediate proof of the transaction. The law would become effective immediately after it is passed by the legislature.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring immediate receipts for cash rent, preventing disputes and ensuring financial transparency.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HB 8385: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Allows sealing of eviction records for defective complaint or lack of jurisdiction for individuals between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) who didn't sign the lease.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allows sealing eviction records for young adults, protecting tenant rights and reducing barriers to future housing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 3157: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

This bill establishes standardized forms for landlords and tenants in Rhode Island to use during rental disputes and eviction proceedings. It directly affects residential landlords and tenants by providing specific templates for notices regarding rent arrears, lease violations, tenancy termination, and eviction complaints. The key provision requires these documents to follow a set format that includes tenant and landlord information, specific dates, and clear instructions on legal rights and next steps. By standardizing these forms, the bill aims to ensure consistency in how rental disputes are documented and processed within the state court system.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill standardizes forms for rental disputes and evictions, protecting tenant rights by ensuring clear communication and legal rights are communicated, strengthening tenant protections in housing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2901: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- HOUSING MAINTENANCE AND OCCUPANCY CODE

Allows for a tenant to withhold payment of rent and deposit the rent accruing into an escrow bearing account, upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer for any state or local minimum housing code enforcement agency.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by allowing rent withholding for housing code violations, advancing tenant rights and housing safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SB 2893: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Requires landlords to register certain information for residential properties constructed prior to 1978 with the department of health on a statewide registry and defines which information may be viewed on a public database.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens tenant protections by requiring landlord registration of lead paint information for pre-1978 properties, enhancing transparency and safety for renters.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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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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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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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 Jun 9, 2026

SB 3163: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Allows for the sealing of an eviction record for a defective complaint and/or lack of jurisdiction and would, upon motion of a person between 18 and 21 years of age, seal a person's association with an eviction under certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allows sealing eviction records for young adults, protecting tenant rights and reducing barriers to future housing opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 8035: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- PROPERTY TAX/RENT FREEZE BILL

Prohibits cities or towns that implement a rent control ordinance from raising property taxes and such prohibition would last for as long as the rent control ordinance is in effect.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits property tax increases in rent-controlled areas, restricting government tax revenue growth.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prohibits property tax increases on rent-controlled properties, directly supporting tenant protections by maintaining rent control stability and preventing financial pressure on landlords that could undermine rent control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights

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