Rhode Island Senate Bill S0536

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25

Caption

Modifies the real estate sales disclosure form to include the disclosure of “blower door diagnostic air leakage testing” and advises that air leakage testing is recommended prior to purchasing a residential unit.

Impact

The bill's proposed changes require sellers to inform buyers about potential energy efficiency issues and the recommended air leakage tests that could indicate existing problems. Thus, S0536 could lead to a more informed real estate market, where buyers are better equipped to understand the implications of purchasing properties that may have significant deficiencies. This legislative change emphasizes environmental health, as it seeks to highlight energy efficiency and potentially reduce utility costs and carbon emissions for homeowners.

Summary

Senate Bill S0536 is aimed at updating the real estate sales disclosure requirements in Rhode Island. Specifically, the bill mandates the disclosure of 'blower door diagnostic air leakage testing' prior to the purchase of a residential unit. This testing is aimed at providing potential buyers with insights into the energy efficiency of a property and encouraging them to assess its condition more thoroughly before making a purchase decision. The inclusion of air leakage testing in the disclosure represents a proactive step towards addressing energy efficiency concerns within residential properties.

Contention

While the intention behind S0536 is generally seen as positive, there may be concerns regarding the practicality of implementing such disclosures. Opponents could argue that increasing disclosure requirements might complicate the home buying process or increase the seller’s liability. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the cost implications of conducting air leakage tests and who bears those costs, as well as the impact on lower-income buyers or sellers who might face barriers due to these new requirements.