Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0726

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Creates a cause of action for partition of heirs property held in tenancy in common.

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to have a substantial impact on the management and division of heirs property within the state. By formally acknowledging the partition of heirs property and laying out a legal framework for its resolution, S0726 will empower co-owners to request court-ordered partitions that reflect their interests in the property. This is particularly significant for families, as many may grapple with inherited properties that are not easily divisible. The bill outlines procedures for determining the fair market value of the property and ensures that all co-owners have an opportunity to buy out their co-tenants under defined circumstances, thereby potentially preventing costly legal disputes.

Summary

Bill S0726 introduces significant amendments to the existing laws governing the partition of property held in tenancy in common. The primary objective of this bill is to establish a formal cause of action for the partition of heirs property, specifically for real estate that is co-owned without a binding agreement among the cotenants. This legislation aims to ensure that partitions can be executed fairly when family members inherit property together but find themselves in disagreement over its division or use. The bill delineates the process by which courts can take actions regarding such properties, ensuring clarity in handling disputes among co-owners.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline the process of partitioning heirs property, there are some points of contention that may arise during discussions. Critics may argue that the process outlined could disadvantage some co-tenants, particularly if they are unable to buy out others as prescribed by the court. The definitions included regarding what constitutes heirs property may also spark debate, particularly regarding the threshold of ownership interest required for cotenants to trigger division. Given the complexities surrounding familial inheritances, other stakeholders may call for additional safeguards to ensure equity among co-owners, emphasizing the need for balanced and fair resolutions in family property disputes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7960

Provides for just cause evictions for residential landlord tenancies.

RI S2920

Provides for just cause evictions for residential landlord tenancies.

RI H7922

Establishes a housing land bank program with the goal of creating affordable housing in the State of Rhode Island. The housing land bank would have the authority to buy, receive and hold property in furtherance of this goal.

RI S2760

Establishes a housing land bank program with the goal of creating affordable housing in the State of Rhode Island. The housing land bank would have the authority to buy, receive and hold property in furtherance of this goal.

RI S0350

Procedure Generally -- Causes Of Action

RI H7655

Grants a right of first offer to qualified nonprofits for the purchase of certain multi-family residential properties at market prices, within a reasonable period of time to promote the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing.

RI S2631

Grants a right of first offer to qualified nonprofits for the purchase of certain multi-family residential properties at market prices, within a reasonable period of time to promote the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing.

RI S2347

Creates new tax on gains from sale or exchange of real property held for short periods of time, 6 years or less, establishes a comprehensive framework to calculate and implement enforcement and provides imprisonment and/or fines for those who evade taxes.

RI S2992

Requires towns and cities to publish a list of abandoned properties and makes various other amendments relative to the sale of abandoned property by a receiver.

RI H7986

Requires towns and cities to publish a list of abandoned properties and makes various other amendments relative to the sale of abandoned property by a receiver.

Similar Bills

CA AB633

Partition of real property: Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act.

NJ S860

"Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act"; provides alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title from relative.

MI HB4924

Property: ownership interests; uniform partition of heirs property act; create. Amends sec. 3304 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.3304) & adds ch. 34.

AZ HB2521

Partition; property; inheritance

NJ S1400

"Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act"; provides alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title from relative.

NJ A5448

"Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act"; provides alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title from relative.

WV HB4575

To establish the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act

TX HB1358

Relating to the adoption of the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act.