Residential Landlord And Tenant Act
The bill, if enacted, will significantly alter compliance requirements for landlords across the state. They will need to ensure registration by specified deadlines, thereby increasing transparency and potentially improving tenant protection against non-compliant landlords. This move is seen as a way to hold landlords accountable and ensure that tenants have access to essential information regarding their residencies, which is particularly vital in light of lead hazards in older properties.
S0804 is a bill concerning amendments to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, specifically aiming to establish a statewide rental registry in Rhode Island. Under this bill, landlords are required to register comprehensive information about themselves and their properties with the Department of Health, including names, addresses, contact details, and identification information for each dwelling unit. Additionally, for properties constructed before 1978, landlords must provide a certificate of conformance that confirms adherence to lead hazard mitigation standards. The intent is to enhance compliance and safety within the housing market.
The sentiment surrounding S0804 has been largely positive among tenant advocacy groups and health officials who see the potential for improved tenant safety and health outcomes through mandatory registration and compliance with lead regulations. However, there are concerns regarding the burden it may place on landlords, particularly smaller landlords, who might find the registration requirements and potential fines burdensome.
Notable points of contention include the civil penalties for non-compliance which can accumulate significantly over time. Furthermore, the stipulation that landlords cannot pursue eviction for non-payment of rent unless they are compliant with the registration requirements adds an extra layer of complexity to the landlord-tenant relationship. Critics argue this could discourage rental property investment in the state, while supporters maintain it promotes the rights of tenants significantly.