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SB 2291

AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT -- RHODE ISLAND SURVIVOR EARLY LEASE TERMINATION ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 6 co-sponsors

Allows abuse victims to terminate leases immediately without penalties and requires landlords to honor safe-lock changes and protect victim confidentiality.

06/18/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2291

Summary of SB 2291 (Rhode Island Survivor Early Lease Termination Act)

Purpose and intent

SB 2291 proposes to protect tenants who are victims of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by:
- Allowing immediate or near-immediate termination of a residential lease without penalty or liability for future rent.
- Providing a mechanism to change locks in response to imminent threats.
The act aims to reduce barriers and financial penalties for victims seeking safety, while safeguarding privacy and facilitating access to protective measures.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Early lease termination by victims (new § 34-18-63)

    • Eligible tenants or household members may terminate a lease without penalty or liability for future rent if:
      • Within the previous 150 days, the tenant or a household member was a victim of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; or
      • Within the previous 150 days, an event related to past abuse, in combination with past abuse, creates fear for safety.
    • Documentation requirements (one or more):
      • Written verification that a protective order has been obtained.
      • Initiation of legal action to obtain a protective order, or reporting to law enforcement, with written verification.
      • Written verification from a qualified professional or advocate (e.g., law enforcement, attorney, healthcare provider, DV/SA advocate, etc.).
      • A self-certification form developed by the Rhode Island Secretary of State, with sworn statements.
    • Confidentiality: Landlords must keep victim-verification information confidential unless consent to disclose is given or legally required.
    • Availment timeline: Tenant must vacate within 30 days of giving notice (or as agreed).
    • Rent liability: Victims are liable only for rent through the termination date or actual move-out date, whichever is later.
    • Security deposit refunds: Victims are entitled to refunds of any security deposit or prepaid rent for periods after termination, with a detailed accounting within 20 days of tenancy conclusion.

  2. Limitations on adverse actions against victims (new § 34-18-64)

    • Landlords cannot refuse to enter into a rental agreement or deny housing assistance based on a tenant’s termination under § 34-18-63 or a request to change locks under § 34-18-65.

  3. Change of locks for safety (new § 34-18-65)

    • A landlord must honor a reasonable request to change locks if a household member believes there is imminent threat of abuse, DV, sexual assault, or stalking, with supporting verification.
    • Verification options include protective orders, court or law enforcement records indicating imminent threat, or self-certification forms (as described above).
    • Timeframe: Landlords must make a good faith effort to change locks within two business days; if locks are changed, they must provide a key to the tenant within the same two-day window.
    • Fees: Landlords may charge a reasonable fee for changing locks.
    • If turnover of locks occurs without landlord permission, tenants must ensure the new locks are workmanlike and of equal or better quality; landlords may seek reimbursement if issues arise.
    • Penalties: If a landlord prevents lock changes or fails to provide a key, damages may include actual/consequential damages or up to three months’ rent, plus legal costs (subject to court findings of good faith).

  4. Jurisdiction and enforcement (new § 34-18-66 and § 34-18-67)

    • The district court has equity jurisdiction to restrain violations of these provisions.
    • Waivers of §§ 34-18-63 to 34-18-65 are void and unenforceable.

  5. Effective date

    • The act would take effect upon passage.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Tenants and household members who are victims of abuse, DV, sexual assault, or stalking:

    • Gain a clear pathway to terminate leases early without penalties and with streamlined documentation.
    • Benefit from confidentiality safeguards for sensitive information.
    • May receive refunds of security deposits and prepaid rents for period after termination.

  • Landlords and property owners:

    • Must comply with verification and lock-change requirements.
    • May incur short-term costs for changing locks and potential damages if actions are not in good faith.
    • Must respect protective orders and safety-related requests, and may seek recourse for noncompliance.

  • Housing subsidy providers:

    • Prohibited from denying assistance based on early termination under this act.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Documentation can come from multiple sources, including self-certification, which will be provided by the Secretary of State.
  • Termination requires 30 days’ notice (or as agreed) with a move-out within that window.
  • Lock-change requests must be acted on within two business days, with keys provided promptly.
  • All protections become law upon enactment, pending final passage.

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

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