Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7199

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

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 bill impacts existing state laws by introducing protective measures specifically tailored for vulnerable tenants. It mandates that landlords must allow early lease termination requests from tenants who have been victims of specified forms of abuse, thus strengthening tenant rights in vulnerable situations. Moreover, the bill includes provisions for tenants to change locks to ensure their safety, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to tenant protection in circumstances involving threats to personal safety.

Summary

House Bill H7199 seeks to amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in Rhode Island, primarily to protect tenants who are victims of abuse, domestic violence, or stalking. The bill grants such tenants the right to terminate their lease early without incurring penalties or remaining liable for future rent payments. This important provision aims to provide immediate relief to those facing dangerous situations, allowing them to escape without financial repercussions associated with breaking a lease.

Contention

Notable points of contention around Bill H7199 may include concerns about the verification process for abuse claims, as it requires tenants to provide written proof of their situation, such as a protective order or law enforcement report. Critics might argue that this could be a barrier for some victims who may not have immediate access to such documentation or fear further exposure. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the responsibilities placed on landlords, particularly concerning the maintenance of confidentiality and the obligations to change locks in a timely manner. The balance between tenant rights and landlord responsibilities presents significant discussion points in legislative sessions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0738

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.

RI H6160

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.

RI H5916

Increases the notification time about rent increases and termination of tenancy for month-to-month tenants.

RI S0719

Increases the notification time about rent increases and termination of tenancy for month-to-month tenants.

RI S0580

Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted exemption by the secretary of housing. Provides tenants with a civil action to recover damages, including award of attorneys' fees and punitive damages, for any violations.

RI H5264

Limits rent increases to no more than 4% annually unless the landlord is granted an exemption by the secretary of housing and provides tenants with a civil action to recover damages, including an award of attorneys' fees/punitive damages, for violations.

RI H6133

Provides that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, ten years from the victim’s eighteenth birthday, whichever is later.

RI H5125

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.

RI H5272

Allows the owner of a rented or leased motor vehicle to establish non-liability for traffic violations.

RI H5909

Makes all causes of action based on sexual abuse or exploitation of a child not subject to any statute of limitations whether the claim has lapsed or was previously time-barred.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.