Housing (Renters)

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 2165: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGrants tenants fleeing abuse the right to terminate leases without penalty, directly strengthening tenant protections under housing law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 7199: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT -- RHODE ISLAND SURVIVOR EARLY LEASE TERMINATION ACT

Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent. Effective 7/1/26.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGrants abuse victims right to terminate leases without penalty, strengthening tenant protections per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2267: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BED BUGS IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES ACT

SB 2267 requires tenants to promptly notify landlords in writing or electronically if they suspect bed bugs in their unit. Landlords must arrange for a pest control inspection within 96 hours, cover all inspection and treatment costs (including adjacent units if infested), and provide 48 hours' notice before entering for inspections or treatments. Tenants must allow access and prepare their unit for treatment, but are not required to pay for inspections or treatments unless they unreasonably refuse cooperation. The bill also prohibits landlords from renting out units known to have bed bugs. This directly affects renters and residential property owners in rental housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to cover bed bug treatment costs and respond promptly, strengthening tenant protections in housing.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2266: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

SB 2266 bans landlords and property managers from using computer programs (including AI tools) that rely on secret rental data from other landlords or tenants to set or adjust rent for residential properties. It specifically prohibits algorithms using nonpublic competitor data - like actual rent prices, occupancy rates, or lease details - to determine rent amounts or changes. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with limited exemptions for housing programs, monthly market reports, and basic internal record-keeping systems. It directly affects residential landlords who currently use such tools to price rentals.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans AI algorithms using secret competitor data for rent setting, directly protecting tenants from opaque rent manipulation and strengthening tenant protections per housing topic indicators.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBans AI algorithms using secret competitor data for rent setting, restricting tech misuse that could harm tenant data privacy and pricing transparency.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · Rhode Island · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 7396: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- BUSINESS CORPORATION TAX -- AFFORDABLE HOUSING TAX CREDIT ACT

Creates an affordable housing business tax credit as well as eliminate sales tax on any materials purchased for use in the renovation of affordable rental housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates business tax credit and eliminates sales tax on affordable housing renovation materials, providing tax relief for housing affordability programs.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates affordable housing tax credit and eliminates sales tax on renovation materials, directly advancing affordable housing development per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Housing Finance Renters

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2031: AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides targeted tax relief (increased credit up to $850) for elderly/disabled homeowners, aligning with tax relief for lower/middle income groups.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides tax credit for elderly/disabled renters/homeowners, reducing housing costs and increasing affordability for vulnerable groups.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits Property Taxes Renters

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2294: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT -- JUST CAUSE EVICTIONS

SB 2294 would require landlords to have a valid "just cause" reason to evict most residential tenants in Rhode Island, rather than allowing evictions without justification at the end of a lease term. It prohibits evictions for reasons like arbitrary tenant preferences, and specifies acceptable grounds such as non-payment of rent (unless the increase was unreasonable), lease violations, or property damage. The law applies to most rental housing, excluding owner-occupied buildings with fewer than four units, sublet properties where the sublessor needs the space, and job-site housing. This bill directly affects renters and landlords under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, aiming to prevent arbitrary displacement.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates just cause for evictions, protecting tenants from arbitrary removal and strengthening tenant rights in housing policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 7130: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

HB 7130 modifies the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by allowing tenants to pay an increased security deposit in monthly installments over 12 months instead of paying the full amount upfront. This provision directly affects residential tenants in rental properties where landlords seek to raise security deposits. The key mechanism is the structured payment plan, replacing a single lump-sum requirement with smaller, manageable monthly payments. The bill focuses on easing financial burdens for tenants facing higher deposit demands without altering the deposit amount itself.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows tenants to pay security deposits in monthly installments, easing upfront financial burdens and strengthening tenant protections under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 9, 2026

SB 2043: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

SB 2043 requires owners of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) not occupied by family members or caretakers to rent them only at rates considered "affordable" under existing state law (§ 42-128-8.1). This directly affects ADU owners who rent to non-family tenants, mandating compliance with statewide affordable housing definitions. The bill also prohibits ADUs from being used for tourist rentals and voids private restrictions (like HOA rules) that conflict with these requirements. It does not change ADU construction rules but ensures rental rates for non-family-occupied units align with state affordability standards.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates affordable rent rates for ADUs and bans tourist rentals, directly increasing affordable housing availability and protecting tenant rights under state law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Zoning

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 2271: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted an exemption by secretary of housing, and provides tenants with civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits annual rent increases to 4% and enables tenants to sue for damages with attorney fees, strengthening tenant protections and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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