RI S2289

Amends the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act to add formal definitions for "emotional support animal" (limited to dogs and cats that provide emotional, cognitive, or similar support to individuals with disabilities) and "service animal" (dogs individually trained to perform tasks related to a person's disability).

Tenants with disabilities may request emotional support animals as reasonable accommodations, and landlords cannot prohibit them if proper documentation is provided from a Rhode Island licensed healthcare practitioner with a physical office in the state.

Landlords may deny emotional support animal requests if the animal poses a direct threat to health or safety, would cause substantial property damage, or would result in cancellation or substantial increase of property insurance premiums.

Documentation requirements include the healthcare practitioner having an established patient relationship for at least 30 days, conducting a clinical evaluation, and providing written affirmation under penalty of perjury.

Tenants remain liable for any damage caused by their service or emotional support animal to the premises or to other persons.