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SB 2267

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BED BUGS IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Victoria Gu and 2 co-sponsors

The bill creates a landlord-led framework for bed bug responses, requiring prompt tenant notification, inspections within 96 hours, timely treatment, and landlords covering most co

05/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2267

Summary: SB 2267 (2026) — Bed Bugs in Residential Premises Act (Rhode Island)

purpose and intent

  • Establishes a dedicated framework for handling bed bug infestations in residential premises.
  • Clarifies and codifies the duties of landlords and tenants regarding notification, inspection, treatment, access, and associated costs.
  • Aims to prevent bed bug spread between contiguous units and ensure timely treatment.

key provisions and changes

Definitions (Chapter 106, 23-106-2)

  • Defines core terms: bed bug, tenant, landlord, dwelling unit, contiguous dwelling unit, pest control agent, certified/licensed commercial applicator, and electronic notice.
  • Sets scope for what constitutes a dwelling unit and contiguous units under the same landlord.

Landlord notification and duties (23-106-3)

  • Tenants must promptly notify the landlord in writing or electronically if bed bugs are suspected.
    • Electronic notice must be sent via the landlord-designated channel; tenant should retain proof of delivery.
  • Landlord must, within 96 hours of notice, obtain an inspection by a pest control agent and may enter the dwelling or contiguous units to facilitate inspection.
  • If bed bugs are confirmed, the landlord must inspect all contiguous units as promptly as reasonably practical.

Inspections, treatments, and costs (23-106-4)

  • After an inspection, the landlord must provide written notice within 2 business days about the findings for the unit.
  • If no bed bugs are found, tenants are advised to contact local health department if concerned.
  • If bed bugs are detected, the pest control report must be provided to the landlord within 24 hours; landlord must begin reasonable treatment within 5 business days, which may include engaging a pest control agent for the unit and contiguities.
  • Landlord bears most costs for inspection and treatment; tenants may still seek assistance from agencies if desired.

Access, inspection, and tenant cooperation (23-106-5)

  • Landlords or pest control agents must provide at least 48 hours’ notice before entering a unit for inspection or treatment (a different minimum can be set in the rental agreement).
  • Tenants may waive the notice requirement.
  • Pest control agents may conduct initial inspections of bedding and upholstered furniture; may inspect other items if necessary.
  • If bed bugs are found, inspectors may access tenants’ personal belongings as reasonably necessary.
  • Tenants must cooperate with reasonable inspection/treatment measures and bear costs to prepare for inspection and treatment. Tenant noncompliance can shift costs to the tenant for treatments caused by noncompliance.
  • Guidance on handling belongings: do not remove items suspected of infestation until treatment is completed unless advised otherwise by a pest control agent.

Renting units with bed bugs (23-106-6)

  • Landlords may not offer for rent a unit known or reasonably suspected to contain bed bugs.
  • Upon request, landlords must disclose whether the unit contained bed bugs in the last 8 months.
  • Upon request, landlords must disclose the last date of inspection that found the unit bed-bug-free.

Remedies and enforcement (23-106-7)

  • Landlords failing to comply may owe the tenant actual damages.
  • Landlords may seek injunctive relief to gain access or require inspection/treatment if a tenant refuses access or fails to comply.
  • Courts may issue orders enabling entry, treatment, and compliance, and may allocate costs/damages to noncompliant tenants.
  • Court orders must provide 24 hours’ notice before entry.
  • Remedies are in addition to other legal remedies and do not limit enforcement by housing/health agencies.

Bed bug exemption (23-106-8)

  • Owners/occupants compliant with the act are exempt from certain provisions of the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code related to bed bug infestations.

Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code amendment (Section 2)

  • Amends § 45-24.3-6 to incorporate bed bug responsibilities and the new Bed Bugs in Residential Premises Act into required compliance for owners and occupants.
  • Reinforces shared responsibilities for maintenance and pest control within multi-unit dwellings.

Effective date

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

who is affected

  • Landlords and property managers of residential premises (including those with contiguous dwelling units under the same ownership/management).
  • Tenants of residential units (including those in multi-unit buildings).
  • Pest control agents and licensed/commercial applicators engaged for bed bug inspections and treatments.
  • Local health departments as potential points of contact for tenant concerns.

procedural and timeline aspects

  • Notification to landlord: within prompt time after suspicion; electronic notice channel defined.
  • Inspection trigger: landlord must obtain pest control inspection within 96 hours of notification.
  • Contiguous-unit inspection: triggered if a unit is confirmed to have bed bugs.
  • Inspection report and treatment timelines: landlord to notify within 2 business days; treatment to begin within 5 business days if bed bugs detected.
  • Landlord access: 48 hours’ notice to enter for inspection/treatment; tenant may waive notice.
  • Court remedies: available to compel access and treatment; service of orders requires at least 24 hours’ notice before entry.
  • Effective date: immediate upon passage.

overall assessment

SB 2267 creates a structured, landlord-tenant framework to address bed bug infestations, emphasizing prompt inspection, clear cost bearing (landlord generally responsible for inspections and treatments), and protections against renting beet bugs-prone units. It also integrates bed bug responsibilities into broader housing maintenance codes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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