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HB 7655

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill modifies landlord-tenant protections; specific changes unavailable, but hearing scheduled for House Judiciary consideration in March 2026.

03/18/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7655

Legislative bill overview

HB 7655 modifies Rhode Island's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and scheduled for a House Judiciary hearing in March 2026. Without access to the actual bill text, the precise changes to landlord-tenant law cannot be specified.

Why is this important

Landlord-tenant laws directly affect housing stability, tenant protections, and rental market dynamics for Rhode Island residents. Changes to these statutes can impact eviction procedures, security deposit handling, maintenance responsibilities, and dispute resolution—matters affecting hundreds of thousands of renters and property owners across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant protections vs. property owner interests: Expansions of tenant rights (such as stronger eviction protections) typically face landlord opposition, while restrictions on tenant remedies face tenant advocacy pushback
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Disagreement over who bears costs and responsibility for enforcing violations—landlords, tenants, or government agencies
  • Scope of covered properties: Disputes over which residential properties fall under the act's protections (e.g., single-family homes, small landlords, subsidized housing)

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

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