2023 -- H 5691 ======== LC001431 ======== S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023 ____________ A N A C T RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT Introduced By: Representatives Stewart, Cruz, Henries, Morales, Caldwell, Batista, Alzate, Kislak, Cotter, and Potter Date Introduced: February 17, 2023 Referred To: House Judiciary It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: SECTION 1. Section 34-18-16.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 34-18 entitled 1 "Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2 34-18-16.1. Rent increases — Notice requirements. Rent increases — Prohibitions. 3 (a) Prior to an increase in rent being imposed by a landlord for a residential tenancy, notice 4 of the increase shall be given in writing to any tenant by a landlord at least thirty (30) days prior to 5 the effective date of the increase. 6 (b) A landlord must give sixty (60) days notice to month to month tenants over the age of 7 sixty-two (62), before raising the rent. 8 (c) A landlord shall not impose a rent increase for a residential tenancy more than once 9 annually. 10 (d) In addition to injunctive relief and appropriate damages to the tenant pursuant to § 34-11 18-5, a violation of this section shall be deemed to be a deceptive trade practice pursuant to § 6-12 13.1-2, and shall be punishable pursuant to the provisions of § 6-13.1-14. 13 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 14 ======== LC001431 ======== LC001431 - Page 2 of 2 EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF A N A C T RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT *** This act would prohibit a landlord from increasing the rent for a residential property more 1 than once annually. Violation of this provision would be deemed a deceptive trade practice and 2 subject to penalties. 3 This act would take effect upon passage. 4 ======== LC001431 ========