Loading chat...
RI S2291
Bill
Status
1/23/2026
Primary Sponsor
Melissa Murray
Click for details
AI Summary
-
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, early termination fees, or liability for future rent
-
Verification required through protective order, police report, written statement from law enforcement/attorney/healthcare provider/advocate, or signed self-certification form provided by the Secretary of State at no cost
-
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 with locks of similar or better quality
-
Landlords who obstruct lock changes or fail to provide keys face liability for actual damages or 3 months' rent (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees
-
Landlords and housing subsidy providers are prohibited from refusing rental agreements or assistance based on an applicant's prior use of these early termination or lock change provisions
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
Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary
1/23/2026