Loading chat...

RI S2901

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

3/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Tiara Mack

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Tenants may withhold rent and deposit it into an interest-bearing escrow account upon issuance of a second notice of violation by a housing code enforcement officer
  • Escrow amount equals the rent abatement the tenant would be entitled to for the landlord's failure to correct violations in a timely manner
  • Escrowed rent remains in the account until the landlord corrects all violations and receives approval from the enforcing officer
  • Tenants may use housing code violations under § 45-24.3-17 as a counterclaim defense in actions for possession or rent collection
  • Takes effect immediately upon passage

Legislative Description

Allows for a tenant to withhold payment of rent and deposit the rent accruing into an escrow bearing account, upon the issuance of a second notice of violation by an enforcing officer for any state or local minimum housing code enforcement agency.

Towns And Cities

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Housing and Municipal Government

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Housing and Municipal Government3/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available