2023 -- S 0914

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LC000741

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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: Senator Tiara T. Mack

     Date Introduced: March 30, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 34-18 of the General Laws entitled "Residential Landlord and Tenant

Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     34-18-58. Rent stabilization act.

     (a) During any private rental tenancy, the landlord shall not increase the rent:

     (1) During the first year after the tenancy begins;

     (2) At any time after the first year of the tenancy without giving the tenant written notice

in accordance with § 34-18-16.1; and

     (3) During any twelve (12) month period, in an amount greater than four percent (4%).

     (b) The written notice required under this section shall specify:

     (1) The amount of the rent increase;

     (2) The amount of the new rent;

     (3) Facts supporting the exemption, if the increase is more than the amount allowed in

subsection (a)(3) of this section; and

     (4) The date on which the increase becomes effective.

     (c) A landlord terminating a tenancy with a thirty (30) day notice without cause as

authorized by § 34-18-37, shall not reset the rent for the next tenancy in an amount greater than

four percent (4%) above the previous rent.

     (d) A landlord refusing to extend the tenancy at the request of the tenant, shall not reset the

rent for the next tenancy in an amount greater than four percent (4%) above the previous rent.

     (e) A landlord is not subject to the provisions of this section when:

     (1) The tenant leaves on their own volition and the landlord rents to a new tenant; or

     (2) The landlord is providing reduced rent to the tenant as part of a federal, state or local

program or subsidy.

     (f) A landlord that increases rent in violation of this section or a landlord which wrongfully

evicts a tenant shall be liable to the tenant in an amount equal to three (3) months’ rent in addition

to actual damages sustained by the tenant as a result of the tenancy termination.

     (g) A tenant is entitled to recovery under this section if the tenant commences an action

asserting the claim within one year after the tenant knew or should have known the landlord

terminated the tenancy in violation of this section.

     (h) This section does not create a right to increase rent that does not otherwise exist.

     (i) This section does not require a landlord to compromise, justify or reduce a rent increase

that the landlord otherwise is entitled to impose.

     (j) The secretary of housing shall enforce the provisions of this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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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 limit rent increases to no more than four percent (4%) annually and would

provide tenants with a civil action to recover damages for any violations.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC000741

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