Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5691 Latest Draft

Bill / Introduced Version Filed 02/17/2023

                             
 
 
 
2023 -- H 5691 
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LC001431 
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S TATE  OF RHODE IS LAND 
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023 
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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 
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LC001431 
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LC001431 - Page 2 of 2 
EXPLANATION 
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 
OF 
A N   A C T 
RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT 
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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 
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LC001431 
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