2025 -- S 0580

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LC002032

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

     Introduced By: Senators Mack, Acosta, and Kallman

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

     Referred To: Senate 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:

     34-18-62. Rent stabilization act.

     (a) During any private rental tenancy, the landlord shall not increase the rent:

     (1) During the first year after the tenancy begins;

     (2) At any time after the first year of the tenancy without giving the tenant written notice

in accordance with § 34-18-16.1; and

     (3) Except as provided in subsections (b)(3) and (e) of this section, during any twelve (12)

month period, in an amount greater than four percent (4%).

     (b) The written notice required under this section shall specify:

     (1) The amount of the rent increase;

     (2) The amount of the new rent;

     (3) Facts supporting the exemption, if the increase is more than the amount allowed in

subsection (a)(3) of this section; and

     (4) The date on which the increase becomes effective.

     (c) A landlord terminating a tenancy with a thirty (30) day notice without cause as

authorized by § 34-18-37, shall not reset the rent for the next tenancy in an amount greater than

four percent (4%) above the previous rent.

     (d) A landlord refusing to extend the tenancy at the request of the tenant, shall not reset the

rent for the next tenancy in an amount greater than four percent (4%) above the previous rent.

     (e) A landlord is not subject to the provisions of this section when:

     (1) The tenant leaves on their own volition and the landlord rents to a new tenant;

     (2) The landlord is providing reduced rent to the tenant as part of a federal, state or local

program or subsidy; or

     (3) The landlord is granted an exemption by the secretary of housing. A landlord may be

granted an exemption if they are able to demonstrate through sufficient evidence that:

     (i) There has been necessary repairs and improvements made to the dwelling unit directly

related to maintaining or improving the health and/or safety conditions of the unit and to ensure the

unit is in compliance with § 34-18-22; or

     (ii) There has been an increase in the municipal taxes and/or insurance of the dwelling in

an amount greater than four percent (4%) of the annual rent.

     (4) If the landlord is granted an exemption pursuant to subsection (e)(3)(ii) of this section,

any increase of rent by the landlord shall not exceed the amount of the increase in the municipal

taxes and/or insurance, divided by the number of dwelling units of the property.

     (f)(1) A landlord that increases rent in violation of this section or a landlord which

wrongfully evicts a tenant shall be liable to the tenant in an amount equal to three (3) months’ rent

in addition to actual damages sustained by the tenant as a result of the tenancy termination.

     (2) In addition to the remedies provided in subsections (f)(1) and (f)(3) of this section, if

the tenant prevails after a hearing or trial on the merits, the tenant may be awarded attorneys' fees,

if appropriate.

     (3) In addition to the remedies provided in subsections (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this section, if

the landlord's conduct is shown to be motivated by malice or ill will, or when the landlord's actions

are reckless or callous indifference to the requirements of this section, the court may award punitive

damage.

     (g) A tenant is entitled to recovery under this section if the tenant commences an action

asserting the claim within one year after the tenant knew or should have known the landlord

terminated the tenancy in violation of this section.

     (h) This section does not create a right to increase rent that does not otherwise exist.

     (i) This section does not require a landlord to compromise, justify or reduce a rent increase

that the landlord otherwise is entitled to impose.

     (j) The secretary of housing shall enforce the provisions of this section.

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     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 limit rent increases to no more than four percent (4%) annually unless the

landlord is granted an exemption by the secretary of housing, and would provide tenants with a

civil action to recover damages, including an award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for

any violations.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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