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SB 2271

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Meghan Kallman and 1 co-sponsor

Imposes a rent increase cap for private rentals (max 4% per year, with notices) plus exemptions, penalties, and enforcement to protect tenants in Rhode Island.

05/07/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2271

Summary of SB 2271 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Rent Stabilization Act

Purpose and intent

SB 2271 proposes a rent stabilization framework under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The core goal is to limit annual rent increases during private residential tenancies, with certain exemptions and enforcement mechanisms. The act would take effect upon passage.

Key provisions and changes

  • Rent increase cap

    • During any private rental tenancy, landlords may not increase rent:
    • In the first year after the tenancy begins.
    • After the first year, without written notice to the tenant (per § 34-18-16.1).
    • In any 12-month period, by more than 4% except as allowed by exemptions.
    • If the increase is above the allowed 4%, the landlord must provide written notice detailing:
    • The amount of the increase.
    • The new total rent.
    • Facts supporting exemptions (if applicable).
    • The effective date of the increase.

  • Exemptions from the cap (section (e))

    • Landlords are not bound by the 4% cap in these cases:
    • Tenant vacates voluntarily and a new tenant is rented.
    • Landlord provides reduced rent under federal, state, or local programs or subsidies.
    • The secretary of housing grants an exemption, which may be based on:
      • Necessary repairs/improvements to health/safety or code compliance.
      • Increases in municipal taxes and/or insurance exceeding 4% of annual rent.
    • If an exemption is granted due to tax/insurance increases, any rent increase must not exceed the prorated share of the tax/insurance increase per dwelling unit (i.e., increase limited to the tax/insurance rise divided by the number of units).

  • Penalties and remedies (section (f))

    • A landlord who increases rent in violation or who wrongfully evicts may owe the tenant:
    • An amount equal to three months’ rent, plus actual damages.
    • Tenants may be awarded attorneys’ fees if they prevail.
    • Courts may award punitive damages if the landlord’s conduct is malicious, reckless, or indifferent to protections in the act.

  • Enforcement and limitations (sections (g)-(i))

    • A tenant may bring an action within one year after learning of a violation.
    • The act does not create a new right to increase rent beyond what the law otherwise allows, nor does it require landlords to reduce permissible increases.

  • Administration

    • The Secretary of Housing is responsible for enforcing the provisions.

Who is affected

  • Private residential landlords and tenants in Rhode Island.
  • Landlords seeking exemptions (via the Secretary of Housing) to justify higher increases.
  • Tenants harmed by improper rent increases or unlawful evictions, who would have access to damages, legal fees, and potential punitive damages.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Upon passage.
  • Administration: Enforcement handled by the Secretary of Housing.
  • Remedies: Civil action with specified damages timelines (one-year statute of limitations for claims).

Notes

  • The bill includes explicit written notice requirements for increases exceeding the allowed 4%, and provides detailed scenarios for exemptions and calculations tied to taxes/insurance.
  • The act introduces a damages framework that elevates penalties beyond actual damages, including potential punitive damages in certain circumstances.

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

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