Housing (Renters)

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.

This bill amends Rhode Island's Fair Housing Practices Act to explicitly allow tenants with disabilities to keep service animals (trained dogs) and emotional support animals (dogs or cats providing emotional support, without certification) in rental housing. It prohibits landlords from denying housing or imposing fees based on these animals. The law directly affects renters with disabilities who rely on such animals for daily living and ensures they cannot be discriminated against for this accommodation. Key provisions clarify definitions of "emotional support animal" and require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for these animals under fair housing law.