Rhode IslandH71992026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Quick lock changes for threatened renters

If you or a household member face an imminent threat shown by a protective order or court/police record, the owner must change the locks or let you do it within two business days. The owner can charge only a reasonable, customary fee. If the owner does not act in two business days, you may change the locks and give the owner a key within two business days if your lease requires it. Do not give a new key to the perpetrator; owners may refuse a key to someone they reasonably believe is the perpetrator. If an owner blocks a proper lock change or fails to provide a key after changing locks, they can owe your actual and consequential damages or three months’ rent (whichever is more), plus costs and attorney fees, unless a court finds they acted in good faith.

Courts enforce and leases can’t waive rights

District court can order injunctions to stop violations of these safety rules. If a court issues a protective order that requires someone to leave, the owner must follow it and still comply with related lock-change requests. Any lease clause that tries to waive these rights is void and unenforceable.

Who counts as a protected household member

The law defines abuse and domestic violence for these housing protections. It lists crimes like sexual assault, stalking, strangulation, trafficking, and more. It also defines who is a household member, including children, spouses, current or former partners, people who lived together in the past three years, parents of a child in common, and dating or engaged partners within the past year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Karen Alzate
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Julie A. Casimiro
Democratic • House
Robert E. Craven, Sr.
Democratic • House
Leonela Felix
Democratic • House
Kathleen A. Fogarty
Democratic • House
Joshua J. Giraldo
Democratic • House
Raymond A. Hull
Democratic • House
Brandon C. Potter
Democratic • House
Evan P. Shanley
Democratic • House
June Speakman
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

PROPERTY - TENANT ACT PASSAGE