Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7852

Introduced
2/27/26  

Caption

Clarifies how condominium insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are divided between associations and unit owners, require owners to insure units if associations do not, and allow boards to manage and use insurance proceeds for repairs.

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws governing condominium ownership by establishing clearer guidelines on insurance responsibilities and procedures post-loss events. Under the bill, in the event of damage to a unit, owners now have an entitlements to receive a written copy of the insurance appraisal from the association. This change is significant as it increases transparency and allows unit owners to understand their rights regarding insurance claims and repairs following damage events. Overall, the bill aims to make the functioning of condominium associations more efficient and equitable.

Summary

House Bill 7852 relates to property and condominium ownership, aiming to clarify how the insurance deductibles and unpaid losses are to be divided between condominium associations and unit owners. The bill specifies that if the condominium association does not maintain insurance or fails to cover the deductibles, unit owners are required to insure their own units. This emphasizes the collective responsibility for managing risks associated with condominium ownership and enforces the necessity for all unit owners to ensure adequate insurance coverage is in place.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the requirement for individual unit owners to insure their properties if the association does not. While proponents argue that this provision protects the interests of the unit owners and ensures that they are not left without coverage, critics may worry that imposing this obligation may add an additional financial burden on owners, especially in the event of catastrophic losses. Furthermore, there may be debate about whether associations can equitably manage insurance proceeds and the implications if deduced amounts do not cover the needed repairs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5587

References both the declaration and bylaws of a condominium association as possible sources of association insurance regulation for the condominiums and require additional insurance to protect unit owners, when necessary.

RI H5585

Requires associations to provide unit owners within thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy.

RI S0507

Requires associations to provide unit owners within thirty (30) days notice of any increase in the deductible application to the association’s policy.

RI H5826

Creates a process for condominium associations to give notice to and obtain approval from unit mortgage holders for certain association actions.

RI H5330

Provides that amendments to §§ 34-36.1-1.03 and 34-36.1-3.08 are applicable to condominiums created before July 1, 1982, provides a definition for the term “special assessment” and allows unit owners to participate in association meetings remotely.

RI H5586

Creates process for condominium associations to give notice to and obtain approval from unit mortgage holders for certain association actions by mailing a written request for approval to the unit mortgagees via regular and certified mail.

RI S0508

Creates process for condominium associations to give notice to and obtain approval from unit mortgage holders for certain association actions by mailing a written request for approval to the unit mortgagees via regular and certified mail.

RI H5825

Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses in associations where the minority of the units are deed-restricted units

RI S0724

Restricts increases in monthly common expenses and limit special assessments to cover unforeseen costs not included in condo association’s approved annual budget for common expenses in associations where the minority of the units are deed-restricted units

RI S0014

Requires commercial property owners to install vehicle barriers at their retail establishment locations when new construction are being done and permits insurers to consider the installation to provide a discount on the owner's insurance policy.

Similar Bills

HI SB2433

Relating To Condominiums.

HI SB3309

Relating To Condominiums.

HI HB2453

Relating To Condominiums.

MI SB0272

Housing: condominium; definition of undeveloped land; modify. Amends sec. 67 of 1978 PA 59 (MCL 559.167).

HI HR23

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Sunrise Analysis Of Condominium Association Managers.

HI HCR24

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Sunrise Analysis Of Condominium Association Managers.

TX HB4812

Relating to the authority of a municipality or county to regulate condominiums.

HI SB1601

Relating To Condominiums.