Adds a provision that allows a tenant to pay the last month's rent or any other prepaid rent. It also increases the amount that a security deposit can be requested from one to two (2) months of rent.
Impact
The changes proposed in HB 5677 are designed to enhance transparency for residential tenants regarding their financial obligations. By expanding the requirements on landlords to disclose fees and conditions related to rental agreements, the legislation aims to ensure that tenants have an accurate understanding of costs associated with renting. This is particularly important in the context of rising living expenses, where every additional cost can impact tenant affordability. The provision allowing for the payment of last month's rent and other prepayments may help tenants manage their finances more effectively by enabling them to structure their payments in a way that suits their needs.
Summary
House Bill 5677 amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, focusing on changes that impact rental agreements and security deposits in Rhode Island. The bill introduces a provision that explicitly permits tenants to pay their last month's rent or any other prepaid rent. Additionally, it allows landlords to increase their security deposit demands from one month's rent to two months' rent, which could have significant implications for tenants who may be burdened by higher upfront costs when securing rental properties.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill involve potential criticisms regarding the increased security deposit limit. Some may argue that raising the security deposit cap could exacerbate affordability issues for lower-income renters, making it more difficult for them to secure housing. Consequently, while the bill does aim to clarify and improve tenant rights, it also raises concerns about housing accessibility and affordability, particularly for vulnerable populations who may already be at risk of housing instability. Stakeholders in the housing market, including property owners and tenant rights advocates, will likely continue to debate these changes as the bill progresses.
Requires landlords to list all mandatory fees when advertising any residential property for rent as well as on the first page of any lease. Prohibits a landlord from charging a convenience fee when the tenant pays rent.
Requires landlords to list all mandatory fees when advertising any residential property for rent in the same section of the agreement as the rent disclosure.
Creates a tenant bill of rights to the right to counsel, the right to habitability, the right to organize free, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to first refusal if the landlord decides to sell the property, and right to renew lease.
Permits other residents of residential dwelling unit to extend term of rental agreement for 3 months after death of lessee, however it would not permit temporary tenant to permanent tenancy or rental assistance if transfer of benefits conflicts with law.