2022 -- H 7894

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LC005028

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

     Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Ajello, Speakman, Morales, Cassar, and Potter

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2022

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 34-18 of the General Laws entitled "Residential Landlord and Tenant

Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     34-18-58. Statewide mandatory rental registry.

     (a) All persons, corporations, organizations, associations or other legal entities owning and

leasing property in the State of Rhode Island shall register their names, home addresses, including

zip codes, telephone numbers, and any property manager, management company or agent for

service of the property, along with the address and telephone number of the property manager,

management company or agent for service of process, with the secretary of state.

     (b) The secretary of state, or designee, shall compile a report setting forth the information

obtained in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, no later than December 1 of every year,

commencing December 1, 2022. The report shall be made available to the public and be posted on

the website of the secretary of state.

     (c) Any person, corporation, organization, association or other legal entity who fails to

comply with subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of one hundred dollars

($100) per month up to a maximum of one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200) in a calendar

year or if the monthly rent exceeds one thousand two hundred dollars (1,200), the civil fine shall

be one month’s rent for the calendar year, payable to the secretary of state.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

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     This act would require all property owners of rental property to file with the secretary of

state notice of their name, home address, including zip code, and telephone number. The secretary

of state would be required to compile a report of all the required information and make such report

available to the public. Any property owner of rental property who fails to comply with the

requirements of filing the necessary information with the secretary of state will be subject to a civil

fine of one hundred dollars ($100) per month up to a maximum of one thousand two hundred dollars

($1,200) in a calendar year, or one month’s rent, whichever is greater.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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