Requires a housing code enforcement officer to give a copy of any housing code violation notice to all tenants of the building affected by a housing code violation along with any hearing dates scheduled for the violation.
Impact
The implications of H7987 are significant for both landlords and tenants. For landlords, this bill places an added obligation to not only correct any violations but also to keep their tenants informed about the enforcement actions taken against their properties. This could lead to a more informed tenant base, potentially empowering them to advocate for their living conditions. For tenants, this transparency could enhance their rights and involvement in matters that directly impact their homes.
Summary
House Bill H7987 seeks to amend the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code in the State of Rhode Island by mandating that any housing code violation notice issued by an enforcement officer must also be provided to all affected tenants of the property in question. This requirement aims to ensure transparency and foster better communication between landlords and tenants regarding housing code violations. Additionally, the bill requires that details about any hearing dates around these violations must also be communicated to the tenants.
Contention
There are potential points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly concerning its enforcement and the added administrative burden it places on landlords. Critics may argue that while the intention is to protect tenant rights, the added requirements could create friction between landlords and tenants, especially in instances of non-compliance or disputes regarding violations. Furthermore, additional costs related to compliance and tenant notifications could be a point of concern for landlords, particularly smaller property owners who may lack the resources to manage these tasks efficiently.