Grants tenants that are the victim of various forms of abuse, including, but not limited to, sexual and domestic abuse and stalking, the right to terminate a lease agreement early without penalty or liability for rent.
Impact
The implementation of S0738 would have significant implications for state laws regarding landlord-tenant relationships. Specifically, it will alter how lease agreements are managed in cases of abuse or violence, reducing barriers for victims seeking safety. By allowing for early termination of leases under circumstances relating to domestic violence, the law aims to prioritize the safety and well-being of tenants. Furthermore, it reinforces the need for landlords to comply with requests for lock changes, adding a layer of accountability in ensuring the security of tenants who may be at risk.
Summary
Bill S0738 seeks to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Rhode Island by establishing new provisions that grant tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking the right to terminate their lease agreements early without facing any penalties or future liability for rent. This measure is designed to provide crucial protections for victims, allowing them a legal avenue to leave their living situations without the financial burden that typically accompanies lease termination. Additionally, the bill provides clear guidelines about changing locks to enhance tenant safety, allowing tenants to change locks upon request if they feel threatened.
Contention
Notable points of contention could arise regarding how landlords manage these new obligations without infringing upon their rights or interests. Discussions may center around potential misuse of the provisions by tenants, the logistics of verifying victims' claims, and balancing the needs of landlords to maintain their properties and investments with the urgent needs of tenants seeking safety. There may also be concerns regarding the confidentiality clauses included in the bill, ensuring that sensitive information about victims is handled appropriately.
Permits the family court to award custody of household pets to the plaintiff in a domestic abuse complaint, including the enforcement remedy of a restraining order or other injunctive relief.
Provides immunity to people involved in commercial sexual activity if they are victims or witnesses to various other offenses and would not grant immunity to law enforcement officers for arresting those persons.
Creates a tenant bill of rights to the right to counsel, the right to habitability, the right to organize free, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to first refusal if the landlord decides to sell the property, and right to renew lease.
Limits the use of certain criminal records and credit history reports in denying housing to prospective applicants, and provides for fines for failure to comply, and requires notices of denials to be sent to the prospective tenants.
Prohibits discrimination based on housing status, define "assistance animal", make it unlawful to issue discriminatory notices or statements relating to the sale, rental or leasing of housing and to delete an unconstitutional provision.
Limits the use of certain criminal records and credit history reports in denying housing to prospective applicants, provides fines for failure to comply and requires notice of denials be sent to the prospective tenants.