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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

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: Representative Joseph J. Solomon

     Date Introduced: January 12, 2023

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 34-18-30 of the General Laws in Chapter 34-18 entitled "Residential

Landlord and Tenant Act" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     34-18-30. Self-help for limited repairs.

     (a) If the landlord fails to comply with subsection of § 34-18-22(a)(1), (2), (4), (5), or (6),

and the reasonable cost of compliance is less than one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) five

hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate per year, the tenant may cause repairs to be done in a skilled

manner, in compliance with applicable state and local codes, and deduct from his or her rent the

actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable value of the repairs if:

     (1) The tenant notifies the landlord of his or her intention to correct the condition at the

landlord’s expense; and

     (2) The landlord fails to comply within twenty (20) days, or fails to demonstrate ongoing,

good faith efforts to comply, after being notified by the tenant in writing; or, in the case of

emergency, the landlord either cannot be reached by the tenant, or the landlord fails to comply as

promptly as conditions require; and

     (3) The tenant submits an itemized statement to the landlord of the cost or the fair and

reasonable value of the repairs made.

     (b) A tenant may not repair at the landlord’s expense if the condition was caused by the

deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant, a member of his or her family, or other person

on the premises with his or her consent.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on January 1, 2024.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

***

     This act would increase the amount of costs for repairs that a tenant may deduct from the

tenants rent from one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) to five hundred dollars ($500) in the

aggregate per year.

     This act would take effect on January 1, 2024.

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