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RI H7199
Bill
Status
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
Karen Alzate
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AI Summary
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Tenants or household members who are victims of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking within the past 150 days may terminate their lease without penalty, fees, or liability for future rent
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Verification required through protective order, police report, statement from law enforcement/attorney/healthcare provider/advocate, or signed self-certification form to be developed by the Secretary of State at no cost
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Landlords must change locks within 2 business days upon request from tenants facing imminent threat of abuse; if landlord fails, tenant may change locks themselves and provide landlord a key within 2 business days
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Landlords must keep all victim-related information strictly confidential and cannot refuse future rental agreements or housing assistance based on prior early lease termination or lock change requests under this act
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Landlords who block lock changes or fail to provide keys face liability for actual damages or 3 months' rent (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees; waivers of these protections are void and unenforceable
Legislative Description
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.
Property
Last Action
Committee postponed at request of sponsor (03/18/2026)
3/16/2026