Chapter 287
2023 -- S 1099
Enacted 06/22/2023

A N   A C T
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

Introduced By: Senator Tiara T. Mack

Date Introduced: June 06, 2023

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
     SECTION 1. Section 34-18-30 of the General Laws in Chapter 34-18 entitled "Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:
     34-18-30. Self-help for limited repairs.
     (a) If the landlord fails to comply with subsection of § 34-18-22(a)(1), (2), (4), (5), or (6),
and the reasonable cost of compliance is less than one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) five
hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate per year, the tenant may cause repairs to be done in a skilled
manner, in compliance with applicable state and local codes, and deduct from his or her the
tenant’s rent the actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable value of the repairs if:
     (1) The tenant notifies the landlord of his or her the tenant’s intention to correct the
condition at the landlord’s expense; and
     (2) The landlord fails to comply within twenty (20) days, or fails to demonstrate ongoing,
good faith efforts to comply, after being notified by the tenant in writing; or, in the case of
emergency, the landlord either cannot be reached by the tenant, or the landlord fails to comply as
promptly as conditions require; and
     (3) The tenant submits an itemized statement to the landlord of the cost or the fair and
reasonable value of the repairs made.
     (b) A tenant may not repair at the landlord’s expense if the condition was caused by the
deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant, a member of his or her the tenant’s family,
or other person on the premises with his or her the tenant’s consent.
     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2024.
========
LC003149
========