Requires certain landlords to obtain insurance to cover alternate living accommodations for displaced tenants due to fire or disaster.
Impact
This bill represents a significant change in the landscape of tenant protections within Rhode Island. By establishing a framework for mandatory tenant relocation insurance, it enhances the rights of occupants in multi-family dwellings, ensuring that they are informed of their insurance coverage at lease signing and protected from adverse actions by landlords due to their displacement. This legislative move could set a precedent in housing regulations that prioritize tenant welfare and accountability for landlords.
Summary
Senate Bill S0943 introduces the requirement for owners of large multi-family dwellings in Rhode Island to secure insurance coverage for tenant relocation in the event their buildings become uninhabitable due to incidents such as fire or natural disasters classified as acts of God. This bill aims to ensure that tenants are not left without shelter following such events, mandating that alternative housing arrangements are in place for a minimum duration of thirty days.
Contention
Debate surrounding S0943 may arise particularly concerning the financial implications for landlords required to maintain insurance for tenant relocation. Some stakeholders might argue that such mandates could increase operational costs for property owners and ultimately lead to higher rents or reduced availability of affordable housing. Moreover, questions regarding the enforcement of compliance, alongside the penalties for non-compliance, could also be points of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process. The balance between tenant protections and landlord responsibilities remains a critical consideration for all parties involved.
Recognizes tenants' unions and provides a procedure whereby the housing resources commission shall administer a hearing process for consolidated complaints filed by tenants' unions, pertaining to the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords.
Recognizes tenants' unions and provides a procedure whereby the housing resources commission shall administer a hearing process for consolidated complaints filed by tenants' unions, pertaining to the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords.
Requires landlords to conduct a radon test of all residential rental properties every five (5) years. Short-term residential rentals would be excluded from radon testing requirements.
Requires landlords of residential properties give tenants notice of rent increase at least 90 days prior to increase and requires notice requirement for rent increases for month to month tenants who are over the age of 62 years, to 120 days.
Requires landlords to list all mandatory fees when advertising any residential property for rent as well as on the first page of any lease. Prohibits a landlord from charging a convenience fee when the tenant pays rent.
Probate: guardians and conservators; appointment of a temporary guardian; modify procedure, and modify procedure for removing a conservator. Amends secs. 5414, 5415 & 5423 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5414 et seq.) & adds sec. 5312a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4632'25, HB 4633'25, HB 4634'25