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SB 2266

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 8 co-sponsors

Prohibits landlords from using algorithmic tools trained on nonpublic competitor data to set or adjust residential rents starting Jan 1, 2027.

05/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2266

Summary of SB 2266 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Purpose and intent

SB 2266 proposes to prohibit the use of algorithmic devices that rely on nonpublic competitor data to determine, set, or adjust rents for residential rental units. The goal is to constrain algorithmic pricing practices by landlords and related actors, ensuring rent-setting decisions are not driven by proprietary or nonpublic data-derived automation.

Key provisions

  • Definition of terms:

    • Algorithmic device: any device, software, tool, or model using computer-based algorithms (including machine learning or AI) to calculate or advise on rent amounts or adjustments, not publicly accessible.
    • Nonpublic competitor data: information about other landlords, renters, occupancy, or pricing that is not widely available to the public (e.g., current rents for specific properties, occupancy/lease data from proprietary sources, data shared among competitors).
    • Rent: total consideration, fees, or charges a residential tenant must pay, including concessions.

  • Prohibition (effective January 1, 2027):

    • Landlords, property owners, managers, agents, or their agents must not:
    • Use an algorithmic device that incorporates or was trained on nonpublic competitor data to determine, fix, or suggest rent amounts.
    • Use an algorithmic device to determine changes in rent for renewed leases or rent adjustments for existing tenants.

  • Exemptions:

    • Data or tools used solely to comply with federal, state, or local housing program guidelines.
    • Tools producing only historical, aggregated market data reported no more frequently than monthly, provided they do not give individualized rent recommendations.
    • Bona fide internal record-keeping or accounting systems that do not influence rent setting.

  • Enforcement and remedies:

    • Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under Rhode Island’s consumer protection framework.
    • The Attorney General and aggrieved individuals may seek relief, including equitable remedies and civil penalties, per existing deceptive trade practices law.
    • The Attorney General may issue regulations to enforce the act, covering definitions, exemptions, recordkeeping, and compliance processes.

  • Severability: If any part is invalid, the remainder stays in effect.

  • Effective date: Takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Landlords, property owners, property managers, agents, and others acting on their behalf who would otherwise use algorithmic pricing tools for setting or adjusting rent.
  • Regulators and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office responsible for enforcement.
  • Tenants and prospective renters who may be protected from algorithmic, nonpublic-data-driven rent setting.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced January 23, 2026, and referred to Senate Housing & Municipal Government.
  • Scheduled for hearing/consideration in May 2026 (as of the action history).
  • Effective date tied to passage of the act (no phase-in specified beyond the 2027 prohibition date for use of prohibited tools).

Potential impact

  • Removes reliance on nonpublic, competitor-derived data and automated pricing for residential rents in Rhode Island.
  • Aims to increase transparency and reduce potential price discrimination or opacity in rent-setting practices.
  • Creates grounds for enforcement action and penalties against violators, aligning with consumer protection standards.
  • May prompt landlords to rely on traditional, non-algorithmic methods for rent determinations and renewals.

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

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