Rhode Island House Bill H5048

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Residential Landlord And Tenant Act

Impact

The bill is designed to limit annual rent increases to a maximum of ten percent plus adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), providing a measure of protection against steep rent hikes that can displace tenants. This provision is particularly vital in contexts where the housing market may be experiencing rapid growth and rising costs potentially impacting low and middle-income residents. By anchoring rent increases to a recognizable economic indicator, the legislation seeks to stabilize housing costs and promote affordability for renters across the state.

Summary

House Bill 5048 relates to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and introduces amendments aimed at enhancing tenant rights, particularly for elderly tenants and servicemembers. The bill grants tenants aged 65 and older the right to terminate their rental agreements in order to enter residential care or assisted living facilities, providing much-needed flexibility for individuals facing significant life transitions. Additionally, the bill allows for unilateral termination of leases by servicemembers who are called to active duty, ensuring they have the ability to exit housing obligations without undue penalties. This attempt to protect vulnerable populations in housing contexts is a significant aspect of the proposed legislation.

Contention

However, the proposed amendments may encounter pushback from landlords and property managers who may view these changes as restrictive. There are concerns that overly stringent controls on rent increases could discourage property investment and development, which may have counterproductive effects on housing availability in the long term. Proponents of the bill argue that the measures are a necessary and just response to the ongoing affordability crisis in rental housing, while opponents worry about the implications for the real estate market and individual landlord livelihoods.