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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cherie Cruz and 7 co-sponsors

Landlords must give tenants a receipt at the time cash rent is paid, ensuring proof of payment and better records.

05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Summary of HB 8386 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to enhance transparency in cash rent payments.

Its core objective is to ensure tenants receive documentation when paying rent in cash, improving financial recordkeeping and reducing potential disputes over payment.

Key Provisions

Adds new Section 34-18-63 to the General Laws.

Requirement: A landlord must provide a receipt to any tenant who pays rent in cash at the time the payment is received.

The receipt presumably serves as proof of payment, listing pertinent details (tenant name, property address, amount paid, date, and payment method), though the exact receipt content is not specified in the text provided.

Affected Parties

Landlords who collect rent in cash from residential tenants.

Residential tenants who pay rent in cash, who would gain an enforceable right to a receipt.

The provision is prospective and applies upon enactment.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: April 1, 2026, by a bipartisan group of representatives.

Referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Scheduling: The bill was slated for a hearing/consideration on May 19, 2026.

Effective date: The act would take effect upon passage (immediate applicability once enacted).

Practical Implications

Economic/Administrative Impact:

Landlords will incur small administrative tasks to issue receipts for cash payments.
Receipts can help tenants document payment history, which may aid in resolving disputes, verifying payment, and supporting rental histories for credit or housing applications.

Tenant Protections:

Provides a clear, tangible record of cash payments, potentially reducing misunderstandings or allegations of nonpayment.

Compliance Considerations:

Landlords should establish a standard method for issuing receipts (e.g., written receipts, digital copies, or standardized forms) consistent with the statute’s requirements.

Notable Context

The bill is narrowly focused on cash payments and does not address electronic or check payments.

It aligns with broader consumer protection and recordkeeping practices by ensuring a receipt is provided at the moment of cash payment.

If you’d like, I can outline potential questions for stakeholders (landlords, tenants, housing advocates) or compare this proposal to similar receipt requirements in other jurisdictions.