Bill
SB 986
SB 986 establishes Rhode Island maintenance standards and responsibility allocation for private easements and rights-of-way to reduce property disputes.
SB 986 addresses the maintenance and upkeep responsibilities for private easements and rights-of-way in Rhode Island. The bill clarifies property law regarding who is responsible for maintaining these privately-owned access routes and passages that cross multiple properties. This legislation aims to resolve disputes and establish clear legal standards for easement maintenance obligations.
Private easements and rights-of-way are common in residential and commercial properties, allowing property owners to access landlocked parcels or cross neighboring land. Without clear maintenance standards, disputes frequently arise between property owners over repair costs, liability, and deterioration—sometimes resulting in expensive litigation. Clarifying these responsibilities protects property values, prevents conflicts between neighbors, and provides certainty for property transactions and title insurance.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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