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SB 738

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

SB 738 modifies Rhode Island's residential landlord-tenant law, currently held for further study after committee review in May 2025.

05/06/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 738

Legislative bill overview

SB 738 is a Rhode Island bill that modifies the state's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available legislative record. The bill was introduced in March 2025 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. As of May 2025, the committee recommended the measure be held for further study, indicating ongoing deliberation about its merits.

Why is this important

Landlord-tenant laws directly affect housing affordability, tenant protections, and property ownership rights—issues affecting thousands of Rhode Island residents. Changes to this foundational statute could impact eviction procedures, security deposit rules, maintenance obligations, lease terminations, or rental dispute resolution, depending on the bill's actual provisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant protection vs. property owner interests: Stronger tenant protections may increase landlord compliance costs, while landlord-friendly provisions may leave vulnerable renters with fewer remedies
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Disagreement over who pays for enforcement (tenants, landlords, or government) and how violations are adjudicated
  • Scope and applicability: Uncertainty about whether changes apply to all residential properties or exclude certain categories (owner-occupied, small properties, etc.)

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

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