RI H8108

Caps annual rent increases at 4% for private rental tenancies, with no increases permitted during the first year of tenancy

Prohibits landlords from resetting rent above 4% between tenants when terminating a lease without cause or refusing to extend a tenancy, unless the tenant leaves voluntarily

Allows landlords to exceed the 4% cap by obtaining an exemption from the secretary of housing for necessary health/safety repairs or when municipal taxes and insurance increase by more than 4% of annual rent

Violations subject landlords to liability of 3 months' rent plus actual damages, with potential attorney's fees and punitive damages for malicious or reckless conduct

Tenants must file claims within one year of discovering the violation; the secretary of housing is responsible for enforcement