2023 -- H 5691

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LC001431

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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: Representatives Stewart, Cruz, Henries, Morales, Caldwell, Batista,
Alzate, Kislak, Cotter, and Potter

     Date Introduced: February 17, 2023

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 34-18-16.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 34-18 entitled

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

     34-18-16.1. Rent increases — Notice requirements. Rent increases — Prohibitions.

     (a) Prior to an increase in rent being imposed by a landlord for a residential tenancy, notice

of the increase shall be given in writing to any tenant by a landlord at least thirty (30) days prior to

the effective date of the increase.

     (b) A landlord must give sixty (60) days notice to month to month tenants over the age of

sixty-two (62), before raising the rent.

     (c) A landlord shall not impose a rent increase for a residential tenancy more than once

annually.

     (d) In addition to injunctive relief and appropriate damages to the tenant pursuant to § 34-

18-5, a violation of this section shall be deemed to be a deceptive trade practice pursuant to § 6-

13.1-2, and shall be punishable pursuant to the provisions of § 6-13.1-14.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001431

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

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     This act would prohibit a landlord from increasing the rent for a residential property more

than once annually. Violation of this provision would be deemed a deceptive trade practice and

subject to penalties.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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