It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 45-24.2 of the General Laws entitled "Minimum Housing Standards" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

{ADD 45-24.2-12. Moving expenses -- Violations. -- ADD} {ADD If any property owner is cited for minimum housing violations, which cause a tenant to vacate the subject property as a result of said property being declared unfit for habitation, by the local code enforcement agency vested with such authority, the owner shall be liable to the tenant for all reasonable moving expenses incurred by the tenant. The owner shall not be responsible for this expense if it is determined that the owner was not the cause of the violations, and shall have the right to appeal any such citation or declaration in accordance with the provisions of section 45-24.2-5(b).

This section shall not apply to any secured party which takes title to the property by enforcement of its interests. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.